ntroducing the NOALiving Antique Wedding Chest Collection—an exquisite array of Near Eastern, one-of-a-kind heirlooms dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Each chest, intricately handcrafted from luxurious walnut wood and adorned with delicate mother-of-pearl inlays, embodies the timeless tradition of preparing a bride’s dowry, known as the "sunduk al arus." These chests symbolize the transition of a young bride from her family home to her new life, historically used to safeguard clothes, fabrics, and treasured personal items.

In rural villages of the Near East, girls began curating their trousseau at the tender age of 12 or 13. Fathers or the groom’s family would commission these spectacular chests as central pieces for their future homes. Known locally as "mattwa," meaning "things folded into place," these chests also served as practical furniture—bedding was neatly folded atop them each morning, elegantly clearing space within the home.

The NOALiving collection uniquely captures the striking geometric precision introduced during the Middle Ages, reflecting a distinct Islamic aesthetic born from religious prohibitions against figurative representation. This shift towards sophisticated angular patterns, first prominent in the 12th and 13th centuries, remains evident today in our carefully curated collection.

Each chest has been thoughtfully rescued and meticulously restored by the skilled artisans of the NOA Living Atelier in Lebanon, blending historical authenticity with a modern, luxurious sensibility. Our process emphasizes preservation and renewal rather than reproduction, breathing fresh life into these storied pieces.

By incorporating a NOALiving Antique Wedding Chest into your home, you embrace a piece steeped in historical significance, cultural heritage, and unmatched artistry—an heirloom destined to enrich your living space for generations to come.