Roheda Wood Chest From Rajasthan - 19th Century Origin - India The top lacquer has worn

The top lacquer has worn through to reveal the beautiful colour of the wood

but also outside shops

The surface decoration

stylised lotus rosette (padma-nābhi/bindu centre with radiating dala)

These morijang cabinets first came into use in the late 18th century and were used as headside chests near the mattress in the women's quarter for storing lingerie and small accessories

Roheda Wood Chest From Rajasthan - 19th Century Origin - India The top lacquer has wornThis bijou roheda wood dowry chest is from Rajasthan and dates to the 19th century. It has hand beaten iron fittings that would have been made by a local blacksmith. Roheda (Tecomella undulata) is a tree that grows in the Thar desert. It is sometimes called Marwar teak. It was used for making furniture and doors until the early 20th century when it became very scarce due to over cutting. However, a big replanting scheme has meant that the tree is once