Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest

A rare and most impressive rustic Indian metal mounted spindled and carved wood cabinet. Hand-crafted in India in the 19th century, the one-of-a-kind folk art work...

A magnificent rustic Spanish Colonial antique, circa 1725, church altar with remarkable patina and detailing. Hand-crafted in the first half of the 18th century, most likely commissioned by the Spanish Empire for use in a Colonial religious Mission, now fashioned with later antique elements and repurposed for use as a sideboard. The scarce Baroque period ecclesiastical architectural church altar presents with a raised gallery shelf back topped with a single board, over a massive, thick pine plank wooden slab top, featuring impressive rich patina, rustic charm and antique character. Mounted over the distinctive architectural trapezoid shaped molded base with rich hand carved and polychrome painted decoration, including the sophisticated original Italian / European inspired trompe-l'œil marbleizing finish, which was a variety of faux painting techniques used only by highly skilled artisans to create the distinctive and varied patterns of marble, in an effort to reproduce the colors, veining and luster of real marble or other building materials. Rising on solid supports enhanced with recessed paneling, smooth rounded corners and edge work and stepped molded trim. Beautiful, nicely aged patina over the whole, highly desirable heavily worn, naturally distressed, chippy paint craquelure finish that has been stabilized to minimize further loss, that does not detect from the aesthetics or functionality, but only adds to the overall elegant warmth and rich historical depth, that can only be acquired over three centuries. Very strong, sturdy, stable. Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, luminous polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use, and many more years of generational enjoyment. Dimensions: (approx) 37.25" High, 62" Wide, 27" Deep The large size, and substantial proportions, make this excellent for a variety of different uses, including as a distinctive buffet table or server, credenza, oversized console, farmhouse kitchen...

A superb example of an Indian (Gujarat) dowry chest with ornate frame, iron reinforcements and wheels. These chests were used to hold blankets and other valuables. The small upper door could be locked...

Large lidded chest with brass and copper fittings and leather cover as well as side handles.