**SOLD** - Profusely Carved Eastern Swat Valley 'Manjus' Dowry Chest
The knopped finials raised above the pierced and carved gallery, The front of the body decorated with various floral motifs, roundels and geometric patterns.
The single sliding door to the right hand side of the unit revealing a large open area for various usage such as linen storage, and features a naive & rustic locking chain.
Raised on four waisted, knopped, tapering legs.
This particular Chest is likely to be an earlier example of this type of furniture due to the added carving throughout, rather thanking carved with a plane.
The Swat Valley is a beautiful mountainous area of the Hindu Kush that straddles the Afghan-Pakistan border. The population is predominantly ethnic Pashtun or Gujjar. Every household in The Swat Valley traditionally had a number of these chests. They were used for storing jewellery, clothes and food of all kinds, the bride's dowry and stocks of grain. They can therefore be found in many different sizes.
Height 129cm
Width 130cm (Excluding Handle)
Width 145cm (Including Handle)
Depth 66.5cm
Collection and Viewing Welcomed
We can organise shipping for an additional fee.