Publication Date
18th century
Publication Place
-
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Subject
Jashab: Bronze
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
طول: 110 سم عرض: 51 سم ارتفاع: 48 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
FBQ.HH.226
Record ID
object;EPM;qt;Mus22;29;ar
Library Location
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Date
18th century
Notes
This box, decorated with luxurious decorations made of bronze alloy, accommodates the dowry of the Muslim bride and her family. They are manufactured in India from structural woods such as rosewood or teak, and countries such as Iran and those in the Arabian Peninsula import these logs, where timber was scarce. The box is raised off the ground to prevent moisture build-up, and features additional drawers and embossed floral designs with a breadfruit motif on the lid. Elements of the Shirazi style from Iran and the Surat and Malabar styles of India intertwine in this chest. Similar to marriage chests in Italy known as “cassoni”, these furniture pieces are gifted heirlooms. Dowry items tucked into these chests would include wedding dress components, jewellery, precious metals, scents and luxury items. Today, a limited number of Indian chests remain as a result of the decline of the dowry tradition in the 19th century along with the migration of the middle class to smaller homes in urban centers which made large chests unfashionable. However, export on dhows has ensured additional use as travel trunks for these items in Oman, Yemen and Bahrain.
Sample Text
Sarah Schroeder “Dowry Box” in Explore Islamic Art Collections. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;qt;Mus22;29;ar