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.

What is a dower chest?

A dower chest — also called a dowry chest or hope chest — is a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, a piece of furniture traditionally used by young women to store items in anticipation of married life. Find a collection of antique and vintage dowry chests on 1stDibs.

What is the point of a hope chest?

Traditionally, the point of a hope chest was to help a woman prepare for married life. Women would place textiles and household items inside, so that she had a collection of belongings to take to her husband's home when she got married. Today, people still use hope chests to store blankets, pillows and other items. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage hope chests.

Dowry Chests

Dowry Chests For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of dowry chests available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and pine, all dowry chests available were constructed with great care. Dowry chests have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Dowry chests bearing Baroque or Folk Art hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs.

How Much are Dowry Chests?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,700, while they’re typically $590 on the low end and $11,995 highest priced.

Questions About Dowry Chests

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.
What is a dower chest?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
A dower chest — also called a dowry chest or hope chest — is a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, a piece of furniture traditionally used by young women to store items in anticipation of married life. Find a collection of antique and vintage dowry chests on 1stDibs.
What is the point of a hope chest?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Traditionally, the point of a hope chest was to help a woman prepare for married life. Women would place textiles and household items inside, so that she had a collection of belongings to take to her husband's home when she got married. Today, people still use hope chests to store blankets, pillows and other items. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage hope chests.

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