This roheda wood dowry chest is from Rajasthan and dates to the 19th century. It has lovely turned lacquer detailing on the legs and iron bound hardware. Traditionally the bride’s family had to offer gifts known as dowry to the bridegroom’s family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally gold jewellery and Silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged.

Roheda (Tecomella undulata) is a tree that grows in the Thar desert. It is sometimes called Marwar teak. It was used for making furniture and doors until the early 20th century when it became very scarce due to overcutting. However, a big replanting scheme has meant that the tree is once more a common sight in the Thar desert.

Dimensions:

118 x 62 x 56 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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