{"product_id":"antique-goa-merchant-chest","title":"Iron Bound Teak Merchant Chest From Goa - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis wonderfully patinated antique South Indian teak chest is made in the traditional Goan style and dates to the 19th century. It is made from large planks of forest teak wood and is mounted on wheels. There is a secret compartment (see photos) below the candle box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerchants used these chests to store valuables; \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003etextiles, jewelry, dowry, or cash. Goa was a Portuguese colony from 1510 and the main anchorage for Portuguese armada ships and merchants. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMerchants in Goa dealt predominantly in Madeira wine, books, firearms \u0026amp; Tobacco. Items such as silks, Indian textiles \u0026amp; spices were all exported back to Europe from Goa. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe chest interior has ample central storage space and various smaller compartments on either side including a box used for storing candles. A sturdy chain prevents the lid from falling completely open. Chests like these would have needed to survive the hardships of day to day life in India, helped by the iron bindings and handles which reinforce the frame of this chest. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Delivery Charge - except Highlands \u0026amp; Islands £80\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMore delivery options available at checkout\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551113306421,"sku":"A6163","price":767.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/A6163.jpg?v=1789233118","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/antique-goa-merchant-chest","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}