Absolutely stunning Indian hardwood “Damchiya” or wedding chest.
 
Early 1800s from the time of the Raj in northern India. Hand carved with horse head details and geometric patterns.
 
This piece will have been commissioned by the family of the bride as a wedding present to the grooms family. It will then have been presented at a lavish Indian wedding filled with silks, saris, gold jewellery, coins and even copper pans.
 
It is expected that the horses would have been added at the family would have had a connection to horse riding or even polo.
 
It was discovered in London where it would have been shipped as a treasured piece when the family emigrated.