Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

A stunning 19th century hardwood Zanzibar chest decorated top and front with brass studs and pierced mounts. The sides are provided with brass carrying handles with shaped back plates while the top is fastened to the base by means of a shaped and pierced hasp. The back corners are bound with steel mounts. The lid opens on decorative hinges to reveal a candle box and abundant storage space. It is supported on a shaped plinth also decorated with brass studs. It comes with its original padlock (inside the candle box).

These boxes, found all over bustling port cities where the Arabs traded and settled, were crafted by Indian carpenters, and exported from Bombay, Surat, and Malabar. They were in great demand in the Arab world, as prized pieces of furniture, occupying pride of place in homes. They were also used by Arab traders for carrying spices, silks and other precious cargo.

Dimensions: Width 112 cm x Depth 57 cm x Height 67 cm
This is a very heavy chest requiring two people to lift

Condition: It is in fine antique condition with a nice rich colour and lustrous waxed finish. There are a couple of old and stable splits on the lid and the wood is a lighter around the studs and mounts due to historic cleaning of the brass. Small part of one of the rectangular pierced brass mounts on the front left side is missing.

Delivery: This chest can be delivered by our usual delivery man for £65 to most places in England and Wales. Please provide your postal code to confirm the delivery charge.