Monumental 19th Century India Iron Strapped Teakwood Damchiya Dowry Chest

Description

A magnificent antique metal-bound solid teak wood damchiya marriage dowry chest with hidden compartments and beautifully aged patina!

Hand-crafted in … more A magnificent antique metal-bound solid teak wood damchiya marriage dowry chest with hidden compartments and beautifully aged patina!

Hand-crafted in India in the 19th century, most likely for Rajasthan royalty, very large scale, having turned finials, hinged panel top with hand forged iron hasp, open interior, next to hidden three small valuable compartments with concealed access, paneled sides with iron strapwork, rings, x-form decorative elements, as well as a secret lower compartment with concealed door, over carved scalloped apron, on primitive wooden wheels. circa 1830

Please note, the hidden compartments can by design be difficult to access.

HISTORY:
The damchiya was made at the request of the bride's family in anticipation of the wedding. It contains the dowry, which is therefore all the property that the bride or the bride's family gives to her husband at the time of marriage. It is a practice still widespread in India, although officially prohibited.

Traditionally, bride price could consist of silver, but also valuable textiles like silk saris, or gold or silver jewelry, or even brass pots. Nowadays, the dowry can very well materialize by the gift of a washing machine, or even a car!

After the wedding, once the bride moved into her in-laws' house, the damchiya was often placed in the room of the newlyweds, as a quiet reminder of the newcomer to the household. It was then used as a storage space for bed linen, or for clothes.

They are made of solid wood, with exotic wood species readily available in India, such as teak (sagwan in Hindi) or rosewood (sheesham in Hindi).

Most damchiyas contain one or more compartments, sometimes even including a back door to keep more valuable items, such as jewelry or money, out of sight. Some hiding places are even hard to find! It has happened that our suppliers, after having themselves bought the damchiyas from private individuals, have found gold or particularly well-hidden jewels in these hiding places.

PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
From a prominent Dallas, Texas estate

Acquired from highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Fine Antiques & Estates Auction catalog

DIMENSIONS: (approx)
48" High, 65.5" Wide, 34" Deep

CONDITION:
A superb museum quality example, in very good original unrestored antique condition with nicely aged warm rustic heavily worn naturally distressed patina. Retaining original antique character and charm throughout, including scattered nicks, chips, minor losses, all wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Whatever was used as a primitive key has been lost to time. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Presents well. less