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An empty Chinese Export style carved camphor wood storage chest. This storage trunk is constructed entirely from camphor wood, featuring a naturally aromatic interior used for moth deterrence. The exterior is decorated with high-relief carvings; the lid depicts a phoenix amongst peony blossoms over a textured ground, while the front panel illustrates a multi-figure narrative scene with architectural elements and pine trees. The side panels carry foliate decorations, and the rear panel is plain and uncarved. The chest is fitted with decorative brass corner straps and reinforcements, recessed brass side handles, and a central latch with a circular escutcheon. The lid is supported by three internal hinges and a single metal stay arm. Faint handwritten characters in pencil are visible on one of the lid’s interior structural supports reading A P L E Y. No manufacturer labels or formal maker marks are present on the piece.
Condition report:
The chest is in good vintage condition. There are scattered surface scuffs, small scratches, and minor indentations to the exterior wood finish consistent with age (photos 1, 2, and 5). A prominent vertical white mark is visible on the uncarved rear panel (photo 6). The brass hardware displays a natural aged patina with minor oxidation and tarnish (photos 3 and 4). The interior is clean with no visible staining (photo 7).
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