A SRI LANKAN JACKWOOD AND EBONY HEXAGONAL CHEST WITH BRASS MOUNTS

Sri Lanka, late 18th century

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The lid with four decorative brass 'nails', each slightly sculpted side-panel with brass plate and handle, the front panel sculpted and with elaborate openwork brass lockplate and key, on four bun feet.

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W. 85.5 x D. 49.6 x H. 56.6 cm

Note:

In Holland, this unusually shaped chest is sometimes called “drankenkist” (liquor chest) because some of them have compartments inside to hold bottles and glasses. However, these compartments could very well be later additions and whether there was any special purpose to these chests apart from being decorative is not clear.