Antique Indian Kerala Dowry Box, Malabar, Northern Kerala

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About the Item

Antique Indian Kerala dowry box, Malabar, Northern Kerala (formerly Madras province of British India). Other names for this type of box are Nettur Petti or Amaadapetti. Known to be used by aristocratic women to keep jewelry or temples for idol accessories. This example is handcrafted in a house shape informed by the art and architecture of the Malabar Coast. Constructed of lacquered Jackfruit wood with decorative brass fittings including trident shaped hinges, lock and handle. The base is rectangular in shape and contains a built-in flat panel dowel hinged interior side box. The brass hinged lid has slanted sides, two triangular and two trapezoidal. The exterior wood panels of the box are lacquered in shades of orange, yellow, green and black in diamond, crosses and curled motifs, accentuating the geometrical lines of the form. One minor brass side fitting missing, other small signs of wear and use, otherwise fine condition. Late 19th century. Measures: 9 in. high x 13 in. wide x 11 in. deep. (23 x 33 x 28cm) 4 lbs. 9 oz. (2065g) For similar examples see: The collection of the Kerala Folklore Museum, Thevara, Cochin, Kerala, South India. Skinner Boston, Asian Works of Art May 16, 2015 Sale #2810B, lot 45. Sotheby’s Home sku: ACC-63462-47468 Freer and Sackler Galleries, Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art, Washington D.C. Accession number: S2000.13 with the following references: Ilay Cooper John Gillow. Arts & Crafts of India. New York. fig. 39. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. Handicrafts of India. New Delhi. . Oppi Untracht, Marjatta Parpola, Aska Parpola. Metal Marvels: South Asian Handworks. Exhibition catalogue Porvoo. p. 28. India: Village Tribal, Ritual Arts. Exhibition catalogue, Mingei Museum at La Jolla, CA. p. 41.

Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 13 in (33.02 cm)Depth: 11 in (27.94 cm)
Style:
Anglo-Indian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Wood,Hand-Painted,Metalwork
Place of Origin:
India
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. One minor brass side fitting missing, other small signs of wear and use, otherwise fine condition.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: UH801981stDibs: LU4546216946322

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