Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Old Punjabi Pakistani wedding chair hand-crafted of wood. The Chair is hand-painted in vibrant reds. Decorative painted spindles adorn the backrest and under panels of the arms. There is some minor fading of paint colour on legs and armrests and slight paint loss commensurate with age and use. 

This large dowry chest from 19th century from Nuristan (Afghanistan) is made of cedarwood. It is a unique piece of craftsmanship and Nuristan. The front panel can be opened, permitting a much more comfortable use than the access by the cover panel. Kafiristan, its name before Islamization, is a historical region that covered present-day Nuristan Province located on the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountains in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Nuristan was full of steep and wooded valleys. It was famous for its precise wood carvings, especially of cedar-wood pillars, carved doors, furniture such as dowry chests

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

A lovely original tea/coffee table from Punjab (Pakistan). A hand made probably walnut wood table, with some faded paint and finished with wax.

This extremly 1 meter (icluding handels)  round wooden plate is cared out of a single piece of wood. The largest such plate I have ever seen. Some traditional repairs, otherwise in a fait condition for its age and size.

A one-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan).

One-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan). 

A one-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. It has nice decorations party, vanished by prolonged use, and some traditional repairs which contribute to the attractiveness of this item. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan). 

A ritual vessel, called ‘Kos’, of the Kafirs (today's Nuristan - Afhanistan). The bowl is carved from one walnut piece, with carved ram’s head on the front and grip on the back. A unique rare piece.

Nuristani crudely carved bowl with spout and handle. A rare Nuristani artefact, The tribes living in the Nuristan area were called "Kafirs" prior to their Islamisation. Similar object: Afghan Museum Bubenberg EH 10

Medium round wooden bowl with the handle serving as spout, probably to fech watert or pour milk.

This is a large and old wooden plate with a handle on one end and a spout on the other. Its probable origin is Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Extra large wooden, round dish from Nuristan with two round handles, straight sides. Chopped from a single piece of wood.

Extra large wooden, oval dish from Nuristan with two handles. Chopped from a single piece of wood. 

This is a beautiful large antique wooden bowl with lovely traditional metal inlays. The bowl has a lovely patina and sign of continued intensive use. An excellent piece for any collection.

One-piece round fruit dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan). 

One-piece round dish, with a turned base. The dish was acquired in Swat Valley (Northern Pakistan).