Tribal Blanket Chests

Rare early 20th century handcrafted Zanzibar blanket chest with brass metal overlay and brass studs throughout. The antique trunk is comprised of solid carved teak wood and features ornate brass interior hinges. The interior is also fitted with a candle box on the upper left corner. The chest is adorned with ornate brass metal corner plates and brass studs throughout, creating a series of geometric symbols and Moorish inspired patterns. The patterns on the top of the trunk are said to symbolize the Fountain of Youth. The chest features a hand-carved ebonized wood base and brass carrying handles. Exquisitely detailed with magnificent craftsmanship. Originally used for travels and often for the exports of good. Makes a great coffee table or accent piece or entryway chest.

This antique chest is unique and beautiful, likely handmade in the Nuristan province of northeast Afghanistan. We estimate it to be crafted in the late 19th to early 20th century. It was built from wood using traditional wedged mortise and tenon joinery, indicating its origin. The front panel is richly adorned with hand-chiseled tribal motifs of stars and flowers. The surface of the wood is beautifully textured. Its natural patina perfectly suits the wabi-sabi aesthetic—celebrating imperfection, timeworn beauty, and authenticity. The chest’s tribal design feels raw yet sophisticated, combining ancient craftsmanship with a timeless sense of modernity. This handmade piece would integrate beautifully into a variety of interiors: it can ground a minimalist or contemporary space with its earthy authenticity, lend soulful warmth to a wabi-sabi-inspired room, and enrich eclectic, bohemian, or globally curated environments. Its strong, geometric lines and understated ornamentation make it highly adaptable, whether used as a statement entryway chest...