Northern India marriage casket, 18-19th century

A beautiful dowry chest made of finely carved cedar wood and wrought iron. This kind of object was traditionally offered to the bride during the marriage ceremony in the Indian region of Rajasthan, intended to safeguard her jewelry, ornaments, and personal belongings. It is constructed with a gabled roof and access to the interior through a hinged panel with an iron latch to be secured with a padlock. All its sides feature very fine carved decoration of rosettes with helical motifs and stylized petals, the piece displaying a wonderful and warm patina.

Technique: Cedar wood and wrought iron
Dimensions: 31 x 42 cm x 22 cm
Condition: Excelent