Description

A very fine example of a traditional Indian Chest known as a Pitara Chest, meaning Treasure Chest (or more literally ‘a box full of treasures’ in Hindi). This example has lovely natural coloured teak, with fine brass and iron detailing and a hint of the old blue paint. This Pitara Chest with fine metal detailing was traditionally used to store a families treasures – from jewellery, manuscripts and silks to family heirlooms, and often containing secret compartments. These are mostly from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, made from teak hardwood and make for a beautiful yet useful antique piece. Indian Pitara Chests are usually rustic, carved or painted, with many having copper, bronze or even silver gilt detailed coverings. Most of our pieces are from Rajasthan & Gujarat in western India. All of our Pitara Chests are original antiques, sometimes with some minor restoration required to ensure the Chest reaches you in original but fully functional solid condition. This Pitara ‘Treasure’ Chest is an old piece and there are some historic repairs and age related marks and wear and tear as you would expect. Today the Chests are used as sideboards, consoles and storage chests for bedding. They are a good sized utility piece that can be usefully placed anywhere in the home. This is a unique one of piece which was made by hand many years ago and has stunning hand carved detailing, and a lovely patina which really shows its age and history. Please be sure to check all photos as these form part of the description.