Painted Indian "Damchiya" Dowry Chest From Kutch - 19thC sarang it evokes ancient Indian beliefs

it evokes ancient Indian beliefs in the Hindu lion god Narasimha

either Beijing or Tianjin city

5 (wxdxh cms)Inner Dimension 6

5 (w x d x h cms)

When finished the entire figure is then coated with clay made from termite hills to create the mould

Painted Indian "Damchiya" Dowry Chest From Kutch - 19thC sarang it evokes ancient Indian beliefsThis phenomenally beautiful and unusual carved teak dowry chest, also known as a 'damchiya' is from Kutch, Gujarat. The front is chip carved in the traditional style with painted paneling. Traditionally the bride's family had to offer gifts known as Dowry to the bridegrooms family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally gold jewellery and silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were