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Antique Chinese Camphor Wood Chest w/ Bat, Dragon, Landscape, and Geometric Carvings

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    Posted 9 months ago

    krysciobrad
    (166 items)

    Neat find at the thrift store. This “Not too large, Not too small” wooden chest made from Camphor wood or teak in China. Very interesting subject matter. I’ve read the more modern chests have minimal designs, while older chests have more intricate designs. The craftsmanship on these carvings are some of the best I’ve seen on the camphor boxes. To start I’ve never seen Bats on these pieces, I’ve read that bats are a symbol of marriage. Since they’re only two bats I’m wondering if it was a wedding box? Or Jewelry box, or even a travel vanity chest exported to Europe. The top center carving shows a beautifully done temple landscape. Near the drawers on each side are detailed carvings of dragons and clouds. In the mid-center another temple landscape. All these carvings are framed with geometric Yunwen designs. The hardware is brass and worn. The chest has a top latch door and two pulling drawers. The interior has a blue dragon design silk and many compartments for items. The smell you get when opening this chest is quite powerful (almost tobacco-like), what you’d expect from Camphor. The wood has a lacquered finish. Seems to have some age to it as well, the two bat carvings and top temple have cracks across them due to stress of age and elements, Wisconsin is a very humid state. As to the exact age it’s a mystery. I could say late 19th century to early 20th century and be told it’s mid-century. It’s just with the intricate carvings I though it was bit more special. Measures 18” long. Box is in great condition, albeit the cracks. But it’s a very structurally sound piece.

    Any other info would be greatly appreciated on this piece.

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    Comments

    1. dav2no1 dav2no1, 9 months ago
      Bats represent longevity and fertility

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