Peti Prada - Albizia wood - Indonesia - 20th century

This fascinating traditional Indonesian storage chest, historically known as Peti Prada (or Peti Pengantin if intended for the nuptial dowry). The piece originates from Indonesia, specifically the island of Bali (famous for its carvings in the Gianyar and Ubud districts) or the nearby island of Madura. It is not a tribal artifact, but a creation tied to the refined culture and the carver castes of Balinese and Madurese peoples, who inherit the ancient aesthetics of Indonesian kingdoms and royal courts.

The body of the chest is entirely hand-carved from a single block of local tropical wood, typically Albizia (Albasia) or light teak, materials ideal for Asian wood sculpture thanks to their combination of strength and workability. The exterior surface is decorated according to the traditional Prada technique, which involves applying a rich tempera-based polychromy in shades of red, pink, and green, enriched by gold leaf details and lacquered gold that are brightly distributed on the reliefs. Iconographically, the lid is topped by a carved handle depicting two facing mythological birds, while the front panel features volute floral motifs surrounding a central winged creature. The interior shows the raw, dark wood finish, combined with artisanal metal hinges that exhibit natural vintage oxidation.

The dimensions of the object make it perfect as a decorative piece or a table-top reliquary: it measures the length indicated. Thanks to the properties of the woods used, the empty chest weighs between 1,800 and 2,500 grams. To guarantee perfect preservation of the delicate gold friezes and protruding carvings during transport, the ideal shipping method is tracked express courier with packaging specific for fragile goods. The small natural cracks on the wood surface and the dense rust covering the metal hinges constitute valuable historical testimony: these signs of wear indicate unequivocally that the chest was indeed used over time for its ceremonial and devotional functions, lending it the authentic charm of lived history.