Vintage Chinese Camphor Chest

Design Plus Gallery presents a Vintage Chinese Camphor Chest. Carved over every surface with intricate images depicting sea voyages and life at court, the functional storage piece is a work of art as well. Stamped brass fittings and carved feet finish the effect.

“In the 18th and 19th centuries, camphor chests were used to carry tea, silks and porcelain from China to European destinations, mainly London, and also to America. Women saw the beauty of the chests and displayed them in living rooms. They were made from camphor wood, a natural repellent against moths and wood boring insects. Camphor also has a wonderful, fresh scent. Brass brackets usually adorned the corners of the chests and the chest’s clasp was also usually of brass.

Prior to the sea trade, Chinese families used camphor chests to store everything from blankets, clothes and linen to food and personal papers. Chests were often stacked one on top of the other to save space. Sometimes the chests were made of plain, solid camphor wood but, more often, ornate Chinese carvings of dragons, ships, people and animals decorated the chests.”