Lot #118: Vintage Indian Dowry Chest with Intricate Brass Inlay

This highly decorative vintage chest is of Indian origin and would have been used as a marriage or dowry chest. It is made completely from solid hardwood, possibly teak or rosewood. The front and top are intricately inlaid with brass in exotic floral inlays. The corners have been strengthened with brass brackets and the hinged lid has a matching hasp, to which a lock can be added. It has a removable 3 sectioned tray inside and 2 bottom drawers with brass handles. The initials SMR are inlaid in brass on the inside. Not sure of age...possibly antique? Good vintage condition with some surface scratches and a couple of spots along the edge where the brass inlay has come out. (See last photo) Very heavy and structurally sound. 21.5" high 36" long 18" deep AI Overview An antique or vintage hardwood storage chest (such as an Anglo-Indian rosewood/teak or brass-inlaid dowry/campaign trunk) featuring a hinged lid, an internal removable divided tray, decorative brass inlay on the top and front, brass corner braces, a center latch/lock plate and two lower drawerswith drop handles. Authentic antique chests are typically built from dense tropical hardwoods like solid teak, rosewood, or camphorwood, often featuring hand-wrought iron or brass fittings and handmade joinery/nails. Older pieces feature traditional regional motifs (such as Mughal floral patterns or local architectural elements) with a natural, aged patina rather than machine-cut precision. Pickup category timeslot {A}