Portuguese Colonial Rosewood Malabar Chest
Early 19th centuryA large and beautiful Portuguese colonial so called “Malabar chest”. The piece is both decorated and strengthened by flattened brass cusps fixed at intervals round all sides. The front with a nice 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 and sides feature a Portuguese inspired geometric carving, the sides also with brass carrying handles. Inside there is a small document compartment. 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.
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Malabar Coast
Portuguese colonial India
H: 71 cm W: 150 cm D: 76 cm
H: 28” W: 59” D: 30”
