Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Style - Meiping Vase Two drawers sit neatly above

Two drawers sit neatly above a double-door cupboard

Tea chests (cha-dansu) were used for storing ceramics and other utensils used during Japanese tea ceremonies

Base: 19cm sq

making them both decorative and practical household items

Brass & Rosewood 'Malabar' Chest From Kutch - 19th Century Style - Meiping Vase Two drawers sit neatly aboveThis 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