19th to Early 20th Century Indonesian Maduran Imperial Wedding or Jodang Dowry Chest for Bride

“Inilah Mempelai Wanita!!!” That’s Indonesian for “Here Comes the Bride!!!” Lucky Lady!!! This is a FANTASTIC antique 19^th to early 20^th Century Indonesian Maduran Imperial wedding or “Jodang” dowry chest composed of camphor wood bearing all-over intricately hand carved, painted, & gilded ornate details. It has double doors with patinated brass hardware, the original working key, and AMPLE storage space with a single fixed wood shelf in the center hiding behind them. Above the double doors the chest holds three smaller drawers all displaying hand carved gilded floral details with a jade green hand painted backing and lovely patinated brass knobs. The three smaller drawers sit below an eye-catching crown piece embellished with those same magnificent ornamental gilded hand carvings immersed upon hand painted colors of jade green and rich red peeking from behind. This top crown piece is removeable however, it leaves a couple of purposed holes exposed and just doesn’t look quite as attractive. Moving down below the double doors it possesses two larger drawers… much like the three smaller drawers above they bear marvelous hand carved gilded floral details with a jade green hand painted backing and lovely patinated brass knobs. Both sides of the chest are finished with less ornate but still decorative hand painted details & gilded trim and the entire masterpiece stands powerfully upon a spectacular & sturdy base composed of hand carved & gilded decorative side & front aprons and four fabulous cabriole style legs with magnificent Ming feet. And… Camphor wood is comparable to cedar wood considering its durability and insect repelling elements so, any delicate linens should be safely stowed for years to come. WOW!!!! This “Jodang” dowry chest is a keepsake encasing a rich, cultural Indonesian Maduran heritage functioning exactly like a “wedding chest” or a “hope chest.” It represents an artistic trend and a social custom reflecting the significance of marriage. A chest for one collecting and storing items intended for household preparation… until that moment of Holy Matrimony when you finally move into your new home together and unload your long collected goods TOGETHER… which leaves you with a STUNNING empty cabinet or chest to use in whatever room you choose, or to fill again!! And… as fascinating as all the historical aspects that this piece withhold are… you may not be in a position at this time to start a “newlywed collection” …  NO PROBLEM!!! This fabulously functional chest is ready to use RIGHT NOW!!! It will make an incredible armoire or wardrobe in your bedroom or dressing area, a wonderful linen cabinet in your bath or dining room, or a fantastic storage cabinet in a study, entry, sitting, or game room filled with books, board games, or endless other supplies. Plus, it will blend with so many design styles besides its Indonesian origin… ranging from Rustic and Spanish Revival to Mid-Century Modern, Hollywood Regency, Asian, and many styles in between. It is unique, fully functional, absolutely FABULOUS, and it’s ready to grace your home with its alluring and rather phenomenal ornate presence!!! We now pronounce you… IN LOVE with this piece! So, do it… make that commitment… and make it YOURS!!!!!