Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Material - Neem Wood This old colonial Indian book

This old colonial Indian book cabinet dates to the late 19th century

Side Table with Drawer with distressed painted finish made in Rajasthan

This stunningly decorative octagonal table has amazingly intricate bone inlay work

A central cartouch contains a dragon balancing bowls of jewels in each claw

They were made to order and designed to withstand considerable wear in transit

Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Material - Neem Wood This old colonial Indian bookThis beautifully carved Indian chest is known as a Malabar chest and dates to the middle of the 19th century. It is made from solid rosewood and bound with brass. These chests were used as dhow trade chests for transporting spices like pepper and cloves, Indian cotton, and gemstones. The main trade hubs were Diu, Surat, Basra, Zanzibar & Bombay. Although a Malabar chest in name, this style of chest was likely made in Kutch in Gujarat. The carving is