China Trade Trunk
China Trade Trunk
83817
A camphor wood Chinese Export Trunk.
The trunk would have been made in one of the Chinese ports for the many Westerners passing through or sold to a ship's captain to then resell. The strong smell of camphor would protect any textiles or silks stored within for the journey back west. The camphor still does a good job today in protecting jumpers etc. from moths.
The trunk has brass corners and straps to both strengthen the joints and protect the trunk as it was being moved. One brass corner has been replaced. It sits on low bracket feet. The carrying handles to the sides are brass and the lid handle is a typical, flush campaign handle which suggests it later in date. The top is rebated to the bottom with the lip ensuring a good fit. There is evidence that the interior originally had a webbing strap to hold the top up when open.
These trunks were made in a wide variety of sizes and it was not uncommon for people to have a graduated set. This one is a good size for a coffee table or to go at the end of a bed. Late 19th Century.
Dimensions:
Late 19th Century
Camphor wood
Chinese Ports
Chinese Export
Brass corner replaced
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