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ID #SA1185100
FOR SALE
£975
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Zanzibar Chest
For sale by Jane Short Antiques
for sale €1,141     $1,238
£975
Jane Short Antiques

Jane Short Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2020
Browse dealers 184 items
  • About Us
    30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art
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Id #SA1185100
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Zanzibar Chest

19th century
Description

A good late 19th Century Zanzibar chest with traditional stud work to the top and front.

Zanzibar chests were were used to transport North African spices and silks to India and the Arab countries in 19th Century.

This one is made from hardwood and likely to be rosewood. There is a candle box on the inside and the top has a natural fade which we have preserved. In totally original condition with a good patina.

A. very attractive and useful piece.

\We can discuss delivery options.

Payment by bank transfer, PayPal and card via phone.

Physical Dimensions
Height
44cm (17.32")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Declaration

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Zanzibar Brass Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1185100
Dealers Internal Reference
A0470
Description
A good late 19th Century Zanzibar chest with traditional stud work to the top and front.
“
Zanzibar chests were were used to transport North African spices and silks to India and the Arab countries in 19th Century.
Jane Short Antiques
fig 1. A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
fig 1. Zanzibar Chest

This one is made from hardwood and likely to be rosewood. There is a candle box on the inside and the top has a natural fade which we have preserved. In totally original condition with a good patina.

A. very attractive and useful piece.

\We can discuss delivery options.

Payment by bank transfer, PayPal and card via phone.

Height
44cm (17.32")
Width
87cm (34.25")
Depth
43cm (16.93")
Date of Manufacture

Jane Short Antiques has dated this Antique Zanzibar Brass Chest to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1185100
Dealers Internal Ref
A0470
Jane Short Antiques
Jane Short Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2020

30 years of expertise in 17th- to early 20th-century furniture and fine art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Jane Short Antiques Profile Page

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A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
1 / 9
Archive I A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.

Zanzibar Chest

Archive II A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View II
Archive III A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View III
Archive IV A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View IV
Archive V A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View V
Archive VI A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VI
Archive VII A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VII
Archive VIII A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View VIII
Archive IX A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Jane Short Antiques

Jane Short Antiques
Telephone 07850 937057 or 07540 126714
Location
Sudbury
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/janeshort
Verified Since Mar 2020
Items For Sale 184
Items Sold 960
Jane Short Antiques
Jane Short Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: Sudbury, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/janeshort
Verified
Mar 2020
For Sale
184
Sold
960
A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
Zanzibar Chest
Ref: SA1185100
A dark hardwood rectangular chest decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from brass studs and fitted with a decorative central brass lock.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
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Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTrunks & Chests
  • Period19th century
  • StyleZanzibar
  • MaterialHardwood, Brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsBrass studding, Geometric tack patterns, Central brass escutcheon, Corner metal plates
  • SizeH 44 cm (17 in) x W 87 cm (34 in) x D 43 cm (17 in)

This late 19th Century Zanzibar chest is a rectangular trunk made from dark brown hardwood with a natural fade to the top and a good patina. The piece is decorated with intricate geometric patterns made from individual brass studs across the front and top, complemented by a decorative central brass escutcheon, corner metal plates, and small brass studs lining the edges. The visual details also include visible wood grain and dark timber tones. Measuring 44 cm high, 87 cm wide, and 43 cm deep, the chest functions as a practical storage trunk. In a contemporary home, this traditional trunk serves as a storage chest in a bedroom, living room, hallway, or study, providing both character and surface space for household items. The durable hardwood construction and classic brass hardware allow the piece to anchor a room as a statement storage solution while accommodating blankets, garments, or everyday objects.

FAQs

Zanzibar chests originated along the Swahili Coast as trade items heavily influenced by Arab, Indian, and Portuguese maritime merchants. Historically used to transport textiles, spices, and personal wealth, these chests served both as secure storage and as status symbols within coastal households.

These chests are typically crafted from dense tropical hardwoods such as teak or rosewood to endure maritime environments. The exterior features extensive decorative brass studding, brass sheet overlays, and cast iron or brass lock mechanisms.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-hammered brass tacks arranged in traditional geometric or floral motifs, visible hand-cut dovetail or mortise joints, and heavy solid wood construction. Original brass elements often display natural oxidisation and slight irregularities characteristic of hand fabrication.

A Zanzibar chest functions effectively as a central coffee table, a hall storage bench, or a statement piece placed at the foot of a bed. Its deep wood tones and brass work pair well with neutral upholstery, natural linen, and warm leather accents.

Dust the wood regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish annually to nourish the timber. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the brass elements to preserve the historical patina and protect against moisture.
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