Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is a dower chest?

1 Answer
What is a dower chest?
A dower chest — also called a dowry chest or hope chest — is a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, a piece of furniture traditionally used by young women to store items in anticipation of married life. Find a collection of antique and vintage dowry chests on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
Shop for Dowry Chests on 1stDibs
Antique Wooden Dowry Chest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique circa 19th century wooden dowry chest from Sulawesi island. Typically used to store fabric
Category

Antique 19th Century Indonesian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Marriage/Dowry Chest
Located in Staffordshire, GB
1850 19th century Swedish marriage/dowry chest with original hand painted decoration, hardware
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Blanket Chests

Materials

Pine

Late 19th century Indian softwood and iron-mounted dowry chest
Located in Stahnsdorf, DE
A late 19th Century Dowry Chest, Softwood India, Ca.1890 A late 19th century Indian softwood and
Category

Antique 1890s Indian Industrial Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Softwood

Swedish Gustavian Dowry Chest with Exceptional Interior Painting, Dated 1782
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Swedish Gustavian dowry chest with original paint on the interior and exterior. The
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Monumental Antique Indian Dowry Chest
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique metal-bound solid teak wood damchiya marriage dowry chest with hidden
Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Rustic Blanket Chests

Materials

Iron

Massive 5ft Antique Carved Teak Wheeled Dowry Chest
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This massive 19th century, antique wheeled dowry chest is stunning. Constructed of solid teak and
Category

Antique 19th Century Blanket Chests

Materials

Teak

Shop All