Exceptional Antique Zanzibar Chest

This is an exceptional brass studded solid teak Zanzibar chest from the late 19th century beautifully decorated and embellished with engraved and chased brass panels. The reeded hinged lid has attractive studded detail and a large engraved and pierced brass clasp, the base with three small drawers and brass solid backplate handles to the sides. The heavy chest is a most impressive example of a Surat style ‘Zanzibar’ chest. These chests were actually made in Surat in Gujarat by Parsees and used as trade chests on ships for transporting spices like turmeric, saffron, pepper and cinnamon as well as fabrics and precious stones. The main trade hubs were Diu, Surat, Basra, Zanzibar and Bombay which is why these chests were often found across much of the Arab Gulf. The chest is a substantial size at 128 cms wide 56 cms high by 53 deep. UK delivery can be arranged with our local courier and costs £60 plus vat to most areas.