--- title: "Custom Memory Boxes: Hand-Painted Reclaimed Teak Keepsake Decor" description: "Discover my custom memory boxes made from reclaimed teak. I blend hand-painting and vintage textiles to create unique storage for your jewelry and keepsakes." canonical: https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/custom-memory-boxes last_updated: 2026-02-10 --- # Hand-Painted Reclaimed Teak Memory Boxes Tribe Verified · Handcrafted in Mumbai from salvaged teak By [Chandan Dubey](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) · Visit workshop in Worli, Mumbai; Ships across India · ₹6,500 per piece (estimate) Part of [Custom Furniture Restoration & Upcycled Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/gallery) I transform salvaged teak into unique memory boxes, layering hand-painted details and vintage textiles to preserve your personal history. ## Photos and videos - ![This handmade memory box, made from salvaged teak, is a tribute to the material culture of another era. The front panel features a collage of traditional Indian jewelry and textiles, perfect for storing your own treasures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b7f134e4-2c76-4e17-895a-e6e38cc6c9d9) - ![An angled view of the memory box, showing how the artwork wraps around the sides. The design layers colonial-era portraits with vibrant patterns, creating a piece that is rich in history and visual interest.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d6854179-1999-452a-9257-26df9e624b37) - ![A detail shot revealing the layers of decoupage and hand-painting. This piece draws from reverse glass painting traditions, weaving together themes of fashion, jewelry, and objets d’art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/daa1ef18-bec4-4e10-93ae-d01956eb60a6) - ![Created for an Indian living abroad, this memory box combines miniature paintings with period jewelry motifs. It’s a nostalgic piece designed to evoke a romantic and colorful connection to home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0998e52d-e251-4c50-bda3-93f00e0b20a5) - ![This memory box is styled in a home setting, showing how it can serve as a beautiful and functional catch-all. The artwork features vintage Indian portraits and ethnic jewelry designs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e99f300-a818-4ca4-b30a-d98b54b929b0) - ![A top-down detail of the lid, showcasing a beautiful portrait inspired by Indian miniature painting. The surrounding floral and geometric patterns add to its romantic and nostalgic feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0bde0681-6461-414a-916d-85becab4fdd8) - ![A side view highlighting the hand-painted base and striped border. Every surface of the box is considered, making it a complete work of art from every angle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62561c7e-da45-4ffd-849e-87f2a5c4822f) - ![This Banjara-themed accent trunk is a riot of color and texture. I used oversized Afghan and Tibetan jewelry motifs, vintage portraits, and bold geometric patterns to create a dramatic tabletop piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c7c77f6-5dae-4ebc-88ef-cb0d8a84d0f8) - ![A detail of the lid, featuring a vintage black-and-white photograph of Banjara women, layered with colorful floral and jewelry designs. This juxtaposition of old and new is central to my work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ede046bf-de23-44f8-bfaf-29a2f7db8cce) - ![A close-up of the front of the Banjara box, showing the intricate details of the painted jewelry, including jhumkas and coin tassels. It’s a celebration of tribal adornment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c1a5af3-9783-45be-ba94-9f9b2b1d9d3a) - [Video: This video pans across the finished Banjara accent trunk, highlighting the dramatic and colorful details inspired by Afghan and Tibetan jewelry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a48bb65-3e5c-4bb7-9c9f-2048e403e617) - [Video: Another view of the Banjara trunk, this video showcases the rich layers of decoupage and hand-painting that bring the piece to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d91996d4-0a34-49a5-9ad8-61db87aa3380) - ![This hand-painted teak wood memory box features a portrait inspired by classical Indian art. It's a small, elegant piece perfect for a side table or dresser, shown here with fresh roses.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d600cfaa-1975-4dae-8bd1-126704f5bd08) - ![A wider shot of the pyramidal memory box, showcasing its unique shape and the beautiful artwork that adorns its surfaces. It's a piece of heritage-inspired decor for the modern home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4c6b8809-2272-4a55-aa15-ab3f2efe42f2) - ![The side view of this memory box reveals a brass Ganesha fixture and floral patterns, adding a spiritual and decorative element to the design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c0e66d87-2af2-4ad7-917e-5efa8dc18141) - ![The other side of the box features painted parrots and geometric designs, continuing the theme of vibrant, India-inspired art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aef54c2f-33cd-478c-a5e3-768979fd7021) - ![A close-up of a recently completed tabletop box, featuring a portrait of a woman playing a veena, inspired by Tanjore paintings. The rich colors and intricate details are a hallmark of this style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/76161dba-0957-4168-bed8-1a7c34e6faa1) - ![The front view of the box, showcasing the detailed patterns and a beautiful latch. This piece is a mix of hand-painting and decoupage, a process I use to create affordable yet intricate art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0c2eb6b1-11e7-45ef-8d3e-25a90948f6cb) - ![A side view of the box, highlighting the detailed painting of traditional Indian jewelry. These small touches add layers of meaning and beauty to the piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c6adc018-431a-4ed2-b4de-925f9e1314fd) - ![This image shows the box styled with traditional Indian jewelry, emphasizing its purpose as a beautiful storage solution for your own precious items.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8df20bbd-7764-4594-834f-9f2894129c9a) - ![The box is shown open, revealing the contrasting interior color. It's a functional piece designed to be beautiful both inside and out.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c1b83754-ac65-4db3-a32b-3267c8e9b522) - ![A top-down view of a memory box inspired by Seljuk and Turkish visual culture. The lid features a collage of Qajar-era portraits, Cintamani patterns, and floral motifs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43e526a0-284f-461a-ada3-aff4620c6306) - ![A side view of the Turkish-inspired memory box, showing the vibrant patterns and a pomegranate motif, symbolizing abundance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c5222c6-ea1b-4432-a216-004e12dde67f) - ![The other side of the box, featuring a hand-painted pomegranate and a decorative jewelry element, blending different cultural inspirations into a cohesive design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/995b7c0f-6b56-4e8b-aff5-fe0dd1f585b3) - [Video: This video offers a dynamic tour of the Turkish-inspired memory box, showcasing its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and unique cultural references from every angle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43a2a90a-1011-4754-9325-fd99581f2c02) ## About Custom Memory Boxes Each box starts with reclaimed teak that has lived a life, which I then prepare with a focus on durability and finish. The surface treatment combines digital archives with hand-painted borders, sealed with multiple coats of clear varnish to ensure it stays protected while holding your letters, jewelry, or family keepsakes. If you have a specific item or story you want to preserve, I can work with you to incorporate personal mementos into the design. ### Your History, Preserved My approach to these memory boxes is rooted in the idea of turning scraps into stories. I do not see a piece of salvaged wood as waste, but as a canvas with a past. Whether it is an 8-inch teak box or a larger tabletop trunk, the foundation is solid, heavy timber that I clean and prep before the artistic work begins. ### The Artistic Process The finish is a hybrid of techniques. I use archival decoupage prints—often featuring colonial portraiture, botanical prints, or traditional motifs—blended with intricate hand-painted borders. You might see influences of Pattachitra or Banjara tribal aesthetics, depending on the theme we choose. I often add 3D elements like vintage coins, metal beads, or jewelry pieces to the lid to give it tactile depth. Everything is sealed with high-grade satin varnish, making these pieces not just decorative, but functional enough for daily use. ### Construction Details - **Materials:** I use reclaimed teak or mango wood. - **Hardware:** Every box includes functional, brass-finish latches and hinges with a distressed, vintage look. - **Interior:** The inside is lined with felt, cotton, or fabric to keep your contents safe. If you are looking for a gift or a way to organize your own jewelry, letters, or family keepsakes, we can create something that feels deeply personal. Whether you live in Mumbai or elsewhere in India, I can ship these pieces directly to you. ## About Chandan Dubey I am a vintage buff and artist who finds stories in forgotten objects. I do not just restore wood; I breathe new life into it, blending tradition with personal memories so you have a tangible piece of heritage in your home. [See all of Chandan Dubey's services](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey) ## More from Custom Furniture Restoration & Upcycled Decor by Chandan Dubey - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/featured) - [Kalamkari & Temple Art Trunks](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/kalamkari-temple-art-trunks) - [The Navagraha Series: Celestial Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/the-navagraha-series-celestial-wall-art) - [The Devi Triptych: Pattachitra Inspired Frames](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/the-devi-triptych-pattachitra-inspired-frames) - [From Salvage to Story: A Camphor Panel's Journey](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/from-salvage-to-story-a-camphor-panel-s-journey) - [Heirloom Prabhavali Transformations](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/heirloom-prabhavali-transformations) - [Modular Pichwai Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/modular-pichwai-wall-art) - [Behind the Art](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-furniture-restoration-upcycled-decor/behind-the-art) ## More services by Chandan Dubey - [Custom & Handcrafted Textile Decor](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-handcrafted-textile-decor) - [Custom & Artisanal Apparel Design](https://mytribe.in/chandandubey/custom-artisanal-apparel-design) ## Similar work from other experts - [Custom Wooden Organizer Boxes](https://mytribe.in/neetikriti/hand-painted-home-decor-personalized-gifts/custom-organizer-boxes) by Neetikriti · Hand-Painted Home Decor & Personalized Gifts · Ships across India - [Hand-Engraved Keepsakes, Decor, and Memory Boxes](https://mytribe.in/quillonpaper/personalized-hand-engraving/cherished-keepsakes-boxes-decor-more) by Quill on Paper · Personalized Hand Engraving · Studio in Bengaluru; Travels across India - [Hand-Painted Home Accents to Personalise Your Space](https://mytribe.in/acrylicdiffusion/personalized-gifts-home-decor/hand-painted-home-accents) by Pankhuri Mehrotra · Personalized Gifts & Home Decor · Ships across India - [Handmade Memory Trunks & Personalized Keepsake Boxes](https://mytribe.in/dreamy_craft/custom-gift-hampers/memory-trunks-keepsake-boxes) by Dreamy Craft · Custom Gift Hampers · Based in Mumbai, ships across India - [Handmade Photo Frames and Custom Memory Boxes](https://mytribe.in/mintgreen.studio/handmade-personalized-gifts/handmade-photo-frames-memory-boxes) by Mint Green Gift Studio · Handmade Personalized Gifts · Visit studio in Basavanagudi; Ships across India - [Teakwood Wedding Keepsake Frames](https://mytribe.in/elegantly.art/personalized-memento-preservation/teakwood-frames-memories-in-wood) by Ruchi · Personalized Memento Preservation · Studio in Mumbai; Ships across India ## Book To book Chandan Dubey, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Custom%20Furniture%20Restoration%20%26%20Upcycled%20Decor%20by%20Chandan%20Dubey.) 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