Brass Bound Indian Merchants Box - 19th Century shawl The back panel conceals a

The back panel conceals a secret compartment to reveal an internal storage space

India carved in the 19th century

which can't be verified

The interior includes two sturdy iron chains which prevent the lid from falling open — a practical feature of traditional Indian dowry chests

and turquoise creating a rich

Brass Bound Indian Merchants Box - 19th Century shawl The back panel conceals aThese Indian boxes were used in the old days by merchants and traders in the bazaars for storing their cash and ledgers. They were also used by Indian families for the dowry of their daughters, as a trousseau (bridal clothes & jewellery). Locally, these boxes were called peti (casket). The body of the box is constructed from roheda wood which is bound with iron and brass. The brass work is delicately hand beaten, etched, and chased with a