Iron-Bound Painted Trunk

A robust utilitarian chest of solid timber, clad in substantial wrought-iron strapping and finished in an oxidised turquoise-blue wash. The hinged, slightly cambered lid opens above a straight-sided carcass, entirely reinforced by closely spaced vertical and transverse iron bands secured with heavy nails. A heavy iron hasp and hasp-plate dominate the front face, flanked by iron corner brackets.

The chest terminates in low, integral bracket feet shaped from the carcass timber and clad in protective iron edging. Trunks of this construction—frequently referred to as majoos or dowry chests in northern India—were built to withstand transport and harsh climates, relying on heavy metal strapping to prevent warping of the timber. The current finish displays significant weathering, chips, and areas of paint loss, revealing the underlying wood and oxidised metal beneath.