Relevant categories: Cabinets and Chests,Steamer Trunk Luggage Cases
( Above Photo: Antique Chinese Chest Luggage Box Carved Camphor Wood )
The Chinese camphor chest is valuable to your home, providing additional storage space and excellent aesthetic value. It is made from natural fragrant camphor wood and can be flat-based or with bracket legs.
If you’re looking for a unique way to decorate your home, the Chinese camphor chest is a must-have. These chests are created differently and can enhance other decorative elements in your home or act as the perfect centerpiece.
( Above Photo: Chinese Camphor Chest Antique Trunk 1930 )
The Chinese camphor chest sprang up in 18th or 19th-century China as a highly-functional and decorative art piece. While it is possible to find chests from the 18th century, most available ones were produced in the 19th century.
They were valuable vessels for transporting silks, tea, and porcelain from China to Europe. Therefore, many of them found a place in the homes of the wealthiest Europeans. They were mainly used to store objects like clothes, linens, blankets, etc. These chests helped ensure that moths didn’t attack the stored items.
Just like Western furniture pieces, Chinese camphor chests are dated in terms of the kings and dynasties that ruled when they were made. For example, some come from the 19th-century Qing Dynasty, which coincided with the Victorian period. Others are more recent and are not more than 100 years old.
( Above Photo: Antique Chinese Carved Camphor Wood Chest Luggage Trunk Table )
One of the main features of these furniture pieces is that they were made from camphor. Therefore, they have clearly outlined wood grains that only add to their rare beauty. The finishing for the chests is mostly a warm honey-brown color with semi-gloss lacquer. However, inside the chest remained raw, retaining the pleasant camphor smell.
Some Chinese camphor chests had elaborate decorations and were mainly preferred by wealthy European families as decorations. They had intricate carvings of floral patterns, rosettes, foliage, herons, cranes, human figurines, and sails. The carvings are all around the chest, including the front panel and lid.
Besides the camphor wood, the chests have brass hardware. While some of the original trunks retain their initial hardware, others have since had their hardware replaced. The hardware creates excellent contrast with the wood surface, making it vividly beautiful in any room.
Everyone has a reason for investing in antique furniture. So, you could have your reasons for buying this particular furniture piece. Top on your list should be the ability of the Chinese camphor chest to provide practical aesthetic value. If you find one with elaborate carvings, you can use it as a centerpiece in your home.
However, the chests are also highly functional and can protect linen, blankets, and woolens from moths. Besides, they are lovely for storing bits and pieces such as toys and other smaller items. Due to its large size, a Chinese camphor side table could efficiently serve as a side table.
If you’re looking for a Chinese camphor chest to buy, we have some of the best in our store. The good thing is that most of them are in good condition and won’t require any restoration. So, don’t hesitate to purchase one.
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