Carved Camphor Wood Storage Trunk
This is a detailed Chinese-style camphor wood storage chest, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The chest is characterized by its heavy relief carving on the front panel and framing edges. The central scene depicts a village landscape with multiple figures involved in daily activities, featuring traditional architectural elements, pagodas, and lush foliage including pine trees. The wood exhibits a dual-tone finish, with darker, ebonized or stained borders contrasting against the golden-honey tones of the central relief. The chest is framed by high-relief floral borders and cloud-like motifs. A significant feature is the rectangular brass latch (baitong or brass) at the center, designed for a traditional padlock. The piece sits on bracket feet with scalloped details. Construction appears solid, utilizing thick planks common to furniture designed to transport and store textiles, as the camphor wood acts as a natural insect repellent. The surface shows minor signs of age-related wear, including slight scuffs along the base and edges, and a light patina on the metal hardware. The top is currently covered with a custom-fit glass pane to repurpose the trunk as a functional coffee or side table. Overall, the craftsmanship reflects high-quality export-ware typical of the 1940s-1960s period.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Basic Information
Category
Antique Furniture
Appraised On
May 5, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Item Description
This is a detailed Chinese-style camphor wood storage chest, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The chest is characterized by its heavy relief carving on the front panel and framing edges. The central scene depicts a village landscape with multiple figures involved in daily activities, featuring traditional architectural elements, pagodas, and lush foliage including pine trees. The wood exhibits a dual-tone finish, with darker, ebonized or stained borders contrasting against the golden-honey tones of the central relief. The chest is framed by high-relief floral borders and cloud-like motifs. A significant feature is the rectangular brass latch (baitong or brass) at the center, designed for a traditional padlock. The piece sits on bracket feet with scalloped details. Construction appears solid, utilizing thick planks common to furniture designed to transport and store textiles, as the camphor wood acts as a natural insect repellent. The surface shows minor signs of age-related wear, including slight scuffs along the base and edges, and a light patina on the metal hardware. The top is currently covered with a custom-fit glass pane to repurpose the trunk as a functional coffee or side table. Overall, the craftsmanship reflects high-quality export-ware typical of the 1940s-1960s period.
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