This Indian teak chest dates to the 19th century and is an excellent example of a 'Zanzibar chest'. These chests were made in The Rann of Kutch and used as dhow trade chests for transporting spices like pepper and cloves, Indian cottons, gemstones. The main trade hubs were Diu, Surat, Basra, Zanzibar & Bombay.

The chest is decorated with brass studs and corners. It has brass lifting handles on the sides. As a trading chest, this piece has had a tough life and has had various repairs during its lifetime. It has retained its interior candle box.

References:

A nearly identical example can be found on page 90 of 'The Arab Chest' by Shiela Unwin. 

From India

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