What is an Indian dowry chest?

Crafted out of rosewood, teak or jackfruit wood, Indian dowry chests are used for storing jewelry, textiles and money as a wedding dowry from the bride's family to the groom’s family. Every chest holds sentimental value, and can be used in the home to store linens or used as a coffee table. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Indian dowry chests from some of the world’s top sellers.

How can you tell if a chest is antique?

To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.

How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?

To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.

Antique Dowry Chest

Antique Dowry Chest For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the antique dowry chest you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and pine, every antique dowry chest was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the antique dowry chest you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique dowry chest is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Baroque, Folk Art and Neoclassical styles are sought with frequency.

How Much is a Antique Dowry Chest?

Prices for an antique dowry chest start at $278 and top out at $16,500 with the average selling for $2,775.

Questions About Antique Dowry Chest

What is an Indian dowry chest?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Crafted out of rosewood, teak or jackfruit wood, Indian dowry chests are used for storing jewelry, textiles and money as a wedding dowry from the bride's family to the groom’s family. Every chest holds sentimental value, and can be used in the home to store linens or used as a coffee table. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Indian dowry chests from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell if a chest is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
To tell if a chest is antique, first examine its materials and details carefully. An antique chest is one produced 100 years ago or more. This generally predates the use of engineered wood, particleboard, plastics and other synthetic materials. As a result, an antique chest usually features solid wood construction.

In addition, antique chests are likely to be handmade, so you should be able to spot subtle signs that indicate this, such as tool marks and small irregularities in any carvings. If a piece looks flawless and regular, it is unlikely to be antique. Locating a maker's mark and then researching when the manufacturer was active can also help you date your chest. Alternatively, you can use the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to learn more about your chest.

On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique chests.
How do I identify an antique chest of drawers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify an antique chest of drawers, look inside and beneath drawers and on the back and bottom for any type of maker's marking. Researching these marks using trusted online resources may allow you to determine who produced your chest and roughly date your piece. If your chest is at least 100 years old, it is an antique. Should you be unable to locate the maker's marks, look at the hardware. Rose head nails, one-piece cast brass pommels on the drawer handles and circular rather than hexagonal bolts may all indicate that a piece is an antique. Keep in mind that hardware may have been replaced at some point and that there are many reproductions of antique furnishings. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer complete the identification process if you're unable to identify your chest via the maker's markings. Find a range of antique chests of drawers on 1stDibs.