M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 1850s.
Produced at Bareilly in North-East India for export and consumption in the West .

Bareilly, the former capital of Rohilkhand , was controlled by the East India Company at this period, and was a centre for the production of these type of lacquer decorated and varnished painted wares .

The black and gold decoration featuring pagodas ,willows and figures in landscape was inspired by the lacquer designs of the Chinese Export furniture market.
The trunk is fixed to the plinth and lifts from the x-frame form stand . The ends each fitted with their original lacquered gilt-brass carrying handles of 'swan-neck' form .

The lift-up lid fitted with original lock and escutcheon but missing its key . The interior painted in its original vivid blue painted finish .
In good original country-house condition with some marks and wear commensurate with age and use . The whole surface with a good aged crackulature finish .

The stand with some historic repairs but very stable and solid .
NB . A similar trunk and stand illustrated and described in "Luxury Goods from India" by Amin Jaffer p. 107 a study of the collection of the fine Indian furniture and objects in the V & A Museum, London .
H 39"
W 36"
D 24"
India c.1850
M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 1850s.
M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
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