Fine C19th Chinese Export Decorated Leather and Brass-bound Camphor Trunk.

Fine C19th Chinese export decorated leather and brass-bound camphor trunk .

Highly decorative Chinese dark green leather-covered trunk painted with vignettes and scenes of Chinese life and trailing floral and leaf decoration .

The whole with brass bindings , studs and fitted with carrying handles to the ends . The unlined interior revealing the well-figured and perfumed camphor wood construction, fitted with a hinged brass stay .

The front with the original square brass escutcheon plate and brass ring handle to the lid and fitted with it's original lock (key lacking) .

The highly decorative and hand-painted decoration with some atmospheric wear and loss . The leather with some marks , scratches and wear commensurate with age , use and purpose.

Leather and brass-bound camphor trunks of this type of varying sizes and decoration , were produced in the Canton area of China for export to the West to serve as both coaching or travelling trunks and storage chests , the perfumed aroma of the camphor being repellent to insects and infestation thus protecting the contents. This example still retaining a particularly fragrant scent when opened .

In good original condition with superb decorative presence. The brass has been sympathetic cleaned and the leather waxed .

Would make a stunning coffee table or storage at the end of a bed , to add an exotic Oriental accent to an interior scheme.

* (For similar examples see "The Decorative Arts of The China Trade" Carl L. Crossman Colour plate 94 ).

H 19"

W 41"

D 20"

China c. 1840

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance . Our inventory on the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:

www.leesantiquesworcester.com.

Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218

Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.