Impressive Antique Moroccan Camel Bone and Silvered Brass Chest, Mid 19th Century.

List: $4,500

A large and impressive Moroccan camel bone and silvered brass antique chest with agate accents, interior in original leather; Morocco, circa 1850. A Middle Eastern-North African historic dowry chest called a "sandok" which would have been a gift from a man to a prospective bride. Customarily, the elaborate chest would have been filled with precious jewels and rich fabrics to ensure a wife's economic security. Geometric panels decorate the exterior patterned with concentric rectangles of sizable camel bone and repousséd borders of silvered brass. Stacking bands of camel bone with silvered brass decorate the back. Precious agate medallions are centered atop the lid and on the front face side of this chest and at each corner of the face. Two consistently- styled rectangular bone inlay handles are on each side. The interior is lined with the original leather patinaed with age. A unique piece, this prized family heirloom would have been handed down through generations.

height: 12 in. 30.5 cm., width: 17 in. 43 cm., depth: 10 in. 25.5 cm.

• Item Number: JG-358
• Country: Middle East, North Africa, Morroco
• Period: Mid 19th Century
• Creation Date: Circa 1850
• Materials: Camel bone, Silvered brass
• Height: 10 in., 25.5 cm.
• Length: 17 in., 43 cm.
• Condition: Very good