North African leather-covered chest – Morocco – circa 1900 Description Decorative North African chest, entirely covered in hand-tooled leather, originating from Morocco and dating to the early 20th century. The wooden core is fully wrapped in thick, vegetable-tanned leather, which has been hand-embossed with dense geometric patterns including concentric circles, diamonds and linear borders. These motifs are characteristic of traditional Moroccan leatherwork from workshops in the regions of Fès and Marrakesh. The chest features an original leather hinge construction, where the lid is flexibly connected to the body using integrated leather bands rather than metal hinges – a typical and authentic construction method for North African chests of this period. The interior is also leather-lined, showing a consistent material choice and quality craftsmanship. The leather surface displays a natural, even patina with signs of age and use, which enhances the historical character of the piece. The original front handle (bail handle) is missing; the original mounting holes are visible on the front panel. No later restorations or modern replacements are present. A genuine and decorative example of Moroccan leatherwork, suitable as a collector’s item or interior accent. Condition Good antique condition. Age-related wear and patina to the leather surface. Original leather hinge intact. Front handle missing. No active damage or repairs. Dimensions & Weight 35 × 23 × 22 cm Weight: 2.3 kg Origin Morocco, North Africa Period Circa 1880–1920