Zanzibar Dowry Chest

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Zanzibar Dowry Chest

About the Item

Presenting a stunning example of an early 20th century Zanzibar dowry chest from circa 1920. The chest is in the classic shape and design of what is commonly known as a ‘Zanzibar Chest’ but it was most likely made in the Middle East…Probably Oman. Oman is geographically close to the island of Zanzibar. It has heavy ‘Moorish’ influences, as does a lot of furniture from North Africa, the Middle East and Indo-Persia. The classic ‘Zanzibar Chest’ was decorated with brass studs in ‘Moorish’ patterns and styles….some were made using bone inlay. The chest would have been made as a ‘Dowry Chest’ for keeping and storing the Bride’s valuables before and during marriage (mostly arranged marriages thereby requiring the payment of a ‘dowry’). The ‘Chest’ was designed to sit against a wall or most likely the end of a bed. The back of the chest is undecorated. It sits loosely on 4 decorated and separate legs or columns these can be removed and the chest rested on the floor or on a table etc. It is made of a Middle Eastern hardwood possibly olivewood. This is a truly outstanding example of a chest of this type! It has highly decorated panels, a highly decorated front locking plate, highly decorated hinges and a brass plaque (presumably the makers label…apologies but I cannot read Arabic). It has to heavy brass handles on each side for lifting and carrying. Most Zanzibar Chests were simply highly decorated on the outside and plain on the inside. This one is special, in that it has 5 small drawers with handles at the base. It also has a lidded compartment and shelf, on the inside.

Dimensions:
Height: 28.25 in (71.76 cm)Width: 50 in (127 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)
Style:
Moorish (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Hardwood,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Oman
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1920
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Near Mint.
Seller Location:
Dallas, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3978112168383

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