Chip Carved Dowry Box From Rajasthan - 19th Century Wine Jar The blog of porcelain expert

The blog of porcelain expert Alain Truong

lending the piece a sculptural

Although it was once painted lime green

Its sturdy carved frame has patchy remnants of old green paint giving it a distressed look

The lower panels are classically carved Mughal patterns and the top design is the Chinese 'Running Dog' motif

Chip Carved Dowry Box From Rajasthan - 19th Century Wine Jar The blog of porcelain expertThis lovely chip carved antique Indian box is from Northern Rajasthan and has the original ironwork. It is made from roheda wood, identifiable by its curved planks and dates to the 19th century. These boxes were used in the old days by merchants and traders in the bazaars for storing their cash and ledgers. They were also used by Indian families for the dowry of their daughters, as a trousseau. This style of box is often decorated with chip carving