Brass Bound Teak Indian 'Pithara' Chest From Saurashtra - 18th Century Wine Jar This Bastar tribal oil lamp

This Bastar tribal oil lamp of Panchdipa Lakshmi

Then beeswax is mixed with a little oil and kneaded well to soften it

This version has a threeway fitting giving a more traditional homely feel

Diu became a Portuguese colony in 1535 and it is likely this cabinet originated in this area

resulting in a form that is both robust and visually striking

Brass Bound Teak Indian 'Pithara' Chest From Saurashtra - 18th Century Wine Jar This Bastar tribal oil lampThis style of pithara is from a Kathi home in Saurashtra and was known in the local Gujarati dialect as a pataro. The Kathi were a ruling caste in Saurashtra and these chests would have contained a grand dowry. It is perfect for the storage of bedding for occasional guests. Chests and boxes from India are found in an extraordinary variety of styles reflecting the many cultures that influenced India and were used for storing valuables such as textiles,