A rare and gorgeous Moroccan polychrome painted pine wedding chest, mid  20th century, with red ground, blue, yellow, and green highlights, hinged top.  Decorated with arcade motifs, rondels and foliage, sides with flower-filled urns, universal symbols of celebration and fertility, vacant interior with till, supported by turned legs, inscribed "1369" (Islamic year for 1948) script on front. In North Africa, fine hardwood is difficult to come by, and as a result, dowry chests are generally painted, as soft woods such as pine  do not lend themselves well to delicate carving. These old chests are quite rare with copies of garish painted chests now seen in the market.

54" x 15.75" x 29"