Storage

Photo: http://www.eravirtual.org/inconfidencia_br/

China Cabinet

painted cedar, iron
second half of the eighteenth century
Museu da Inconfidência

This cabinet was probably used to store fine tableware, such as porcelain. Traces of pigment indicate that it was originally painted.

Photo: Museu do Ouro

Dowry Chest

eighteenth century
Minas Gerais
Museu do Ouro, Sabará

When a woman married, she carried her belongings to her new husband's household in a chest. She would then continue to use the chest to store her clothing, jewelry and other personal possessions. These chests were often adorned with imagery related to love or marriage.

Photo: http://www.eravirtual.org/inconfidencia_br/

Dowry Chest

late eighteenth or early nineteenth century
Minas Gerais
Museu da Inconfidência, Ouro Preto

The marital theme is quite explicit on this chest which features the bride holding a heart up toward the groom.

Photo: Rômulo Fialdini

Chest

painted cherry wood
eighteenth century
Minas Gerais
Museu da Casa Brasileira

The heart in the central panel suggests that this is also a dowry chest.