**This is an oversized piece that may require special shipping. Please inquire for a quote prior to bidding.

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th century CE. This is a gorgeous camphor wood trunk with a brightly painted surface, brass fittings, and a leather trim. The wooden slats are strengthened by a brass frame and the leather flaps protrude from three sides of the lid to cover the lip seam. The lid opens on a pair of iron hinges, the interior has a pair of brass side supports for the lid, and a brass lockplate is mounted on the front, below a brass pull on the lid. The exterior is painted a vermillion red hue with cream, blue, golden, and black floral motifs and brass rivets stud the front face and lid as an elegant festoon. This pretty trunk could be a lovely display piece or light storage- or, with the addition of a glass top, could be fine coffee table! These storage trunks were made from the naturally fragrant camphor tree which repelled most insects, ideal for transporting precious goods such as tea and silk from Asia to Europe. Size: 35" L x 17.5" W x 16" H (88.9 cm x 44.4 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#149497

Losses to leather trim. Missing handle on one side. Abrasions and chips throughout. Fading to and chipping to painted motifs, but still vibrant. Lid opens easily. Interior should be cleaned prior to use.