A beautiful antique Portuguese colonial Malabar chest in rosewood. The piece is both decorated and strengthened by pierced brass cusps fixed at intervals round all sides. The front with a beautiful brass escutcheon. The front also features a carving of curvaceous leafy tendrils springing from a central vase, terminating in flowers and circular pendulous fruits. It is suggested that these are to be breadfruit, a tree indigenous to the Malabar area. The back features a Portuguese inspired geometric carving. Inside there is one small lidded document compartment and two large brass hinges secure the lid to the back. The chest stands on bracket feet.

The chest is in good condition and has been lovingly restored and finished to its former glory using a traditional form of French polishing and waxing. The Indian rosewood that this piece has been made off has a naturally occurring dark shade with a striking grain.

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This Malabar chest has been sold. Please keep checking or website as we may add a similar piece.

 

Malabar Coast
Portuguese colonial India
H: 62 cm W: 104 cm D: 53 cm
H: 24½” W: 41” D: 21½”