Moroccan Engraved Copper & Brass Domed Marriage Chest, Green Silk Lining

A substantial dome-top coffer worked entirely in copper and brass sheet over a wood core, its surfaces covered edge to edge in dense hand-engraved decoration — interlaced strapwork, scrolling arabesque borders, and stylized palmette arcading. The exterior alternates warm copper and yellow brass panels framed by beaded and running-scroll bands, with a shaped escutcheon plate and hinged hasp at the center front and pierced brass ring-form drop handles at each end. The barrel lid opens on brass butt hinges, supported by a fine link chain, revealing a green silk lining to lid and interior.

The paper label to the back panel reads "Made in Morocco / Ref 21832," placing this among the decorative copper and brass caskets produced in Moroccan metalworking centers such as Fès and Marrakesh for the domestic and export market. Chests of this scale served as trousseau or storage coffers, the profusion of engraving intended to catch and hold light. The scalloped hasp, engraved lock plate, and cast openwork handles are worked in the same idiom as the panels — a fully integrated decorative program rather than applied hardware.

CONDITION

Fair. Oxidation throughout with age-appropriate wear, tarnish, and areas of surface abrasion revealing bright copper beneath the patina. Denting and previous repairs are present, including a soldered seam repair to the lower front near one handle and lifting/tearing to the sheet at the front hinge area. Green silk lining shows soiling and wear.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall with Handles/Lock Mechanism: 21 1/2" H × 29 1/2" W × 19" D
• Weight: 38 lbs
• Materials: Copper, brass, felt/silk lining
• Marked: Paper label "Made in Morocco / Ref 21832" to back panel
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included