This superb antique Ceylon teak chest is on a separate base. The chest is trimmed in rare ebony wood and covered with brass decorative plaques and hemispheric brass knobs.  The locking mechanism for the top employs a massive brass key.  The heavy base is also teak with beautifully carved legs with  ball and claw feet.  The base incorporates three locking drawers.  A chest like this would have been the property of a wealthy Singalese family or perhaps a British tea planter mid-19th century.