Antique Swat Valley Charpai Bench - Hand-Carved

One of a kind. A low, hand-carved bench from the Swat Valley of northern Pakistan, in the charpai tradition — a carved hardwood frame strung with a hand-woven rope seat.Swat Valley woodcarving is some of the oldest living craft in the region: the geometric and floral relief on the back panel descends from the carving of ancient Gandhara, later layered with Persian influence. Benches and seats like this were built nail-free, joined with wedged mortise-and-tenon, and strung with a woven seat — made for low, everyday seating in a warm climate, with the open weave letting air move through.Carved hardwood (likely walnut or cedar) with two turned finials, a twisted-rope cord swagged between them, a chip-carved geometric back panel, a hand-woven rope-and-raffia seat, and stout turned legs. The woven seat is original. Genuine age, patina, and honest wear throughout.Size: 47"L × 16.5"D × 29"H. One of a kind. Ships from our Houston warehouse.