Shirazi chest, probably India for the Iranian market, 19th century Rectangular in shape, hardwood lined on four sides with openwork copper alloy plates and metal nails animating the surface with geometric motifs. In the center of the front, a flower-cut lock opens a hinged lid, and four drawers underline the base, each fitted with a handle and pierced by a lock. Two additional handles on the sides for transport. One compartment inside. Height: 53.5 cm; length: 106.5 cm; depth: 49.5 cm Stains, halos, scratches, minor accidents, a few scratches, interior hinge damaged, keys missing. Commonly referred to as Shirazi chests, after the Iranian city of Shiraz, or Zanzibar chests, in reference to the places where this type of object abounded, these objects were a priori made in India, as suggested by the use of hardwood. Originally conceived as dowry chests, they were used to export goods, spices, carpets and silks to Iran and East Africa.