Iron Clad Merchants Box From Shekhawati - 19th Century Lembata wide mouth

wide mouth

5 (wxdxhcms)Frame Size 28 x 1

This style of square Chinese flower stand was very popular at the end of the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912) during the early 20th century

(now Pakistan)

Iron Clad Merchants Box From Shekhawati - 19th Century Lembata wide mouthThese boxes are locally called peti (casket) and were originally used to store the trousseau (bridal clothes & jewellery). The body of the box is constructed from roheda wood which is clad with iron and brass. Between the 17th & 19th centuries, the Marwari merchants of Shekhawati grew incredibly wealthy from taxing traveling caravans. At the time, craftsmanship of this quality would have been expensive. These boxes are beautiful standalone collectible