Merchants Box From Rajasthan – 19th Century

This beautifully carved antique merchant’s box comes from Rajasthan and dates to the 19th century. Handcrafted from solid teak, it has a wonderfully rich, dark patina developed through generations of use. The extensive hand-carved decoration makes this a particularly attractive example, with bold floral rosettes surrounded by fan-shaped motifs and repeating geometric borders.

The decoration continues around the sides and across the lid, where a large central geometric floral motif creates a striking focal point. The box retains its original ironwork, including reinforcing straps, hinges and locking hasp, while four substantial turned wooden feet raise the chest from the floor. The combination of deeply carved teak, aged iron and centuries of wear gives the piece enormous character.

Boxes of this type were traditionally used by merchants and traders in the bazaars of Rajasthan for storing cash, account books and ledgers. Similar chests were also used by Indian families to store valuable possessions and could form part of a daughter’s dowry or trousseau. Today, this wonderfully decorative example would make an unusual side table, storage chest or characterful standalone piece.

• Origin: Rajasthan, India
• Date: 19th Century
• Materials: Teak with iron fittings
• Features: Hand-carved floral rosettes, fan-shaped motifs and geometric borders, carved decoration to the lid and sides, original ironwork and locking hasp, hinged lid and four turned wooden feet
• Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear, marks, losses and patination consistent with its age and original use
• Dimensions: W39 x D34 x H20 cm
• Weight: 3.2 kg