the rectangular hinged lid fitted with a flush-mounted handle over a conforming body flanked by solid brass bail handles; all resting on a later detached stand; adorned overall with brass perimeter strapping and decorative brass inlay; good antique condition commensurate with age; overall wear and patina; brass strapping with indentations and wear; professionally refinished; new custom-made stand
these unique carvings are from a Churulan Vallam, a traditional narrow boat used in the famous snake boat races of Kerala, South India and powered by approximately 45 people; the prow is carved as a "churul" meaning a ring out of local aini wood and adorned with incised carvings and applied metal embellishments; some missing metal elements with overall wear and abrasions; age cracks
the round top with quarter edge molding above a shallow apron all raised on shapely cabriole supports; profusely decorated overall with polychrome and gilt flowers and foliage in the traditional manner; some infill to top; good antique condition with minor wear and chips; legs re-glued
with turned fold-down legs, the rectangular tray centering a brass inlaid Taj Mahal (commissioned in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal); the canted sides of the tray dovetail joined and decorated with brass inlay and carved handles; the hinged folding legs with a spring loaded mechanism for easy travel; good sturdy condition with refinished surface
originally used as traveling tea tables for the British in India; the octagonal top with central stylized floral medallion surrounded foliate designs; raised on a hinged base with arabesque spandrels; excellent antique condition with overall warm patina; some replaced inlay
these unique carvings are from a Churulan Vallam, a traditional narrow boat used in the famous snake boat races of Kerala, South India and powered by approximately 45 people; the prow is carved as a "churul" meaning a ring out of local aini wood and adorned with incised carvings and inset metal embellishments; some missing metal elements with overall wear and abrasions
Originally this piece would have been elaborately painted. It was recovered from a sunken ship after approximately 200 years on the sea floor. The result is this wonderful carving with only hints of the original paint having been washed and softened by the sea; overall even wear; some chipping; small areas of pigment; now on a later stand
