How heavy is a typical camphor trunk?

They are substantial. A standard nineteenth-century example needs two people to lift it comfortably. Thick brass locks and heavy corner plates add significant weight to the dense timber.

I bought one of these large wooden boxes at an estate sale recently but the metal rings on the front are very stiff and hard to move, can I oil them?

You can apply a tiny drop of light machine oil to the hinge pins. Work the metal back and forth gently to loosen the built-up dirt. Never spray aerosol lubricants directly onto the metal plate. The oil runs down the front and stains the wood. Wipe away any excess immediately with a dry cloth.

Does the lacquer need special cleaning?

A dry microfibre cloth handles the dust. Keep wet rags away from the surface. If the finish looks dull, a thin coat of clear microcrystalline wax works well. Apply it sparingly and buff it off. Avoid commercial furniture polishes. They leave a sticky residue that traps dirt.

My grandmother had a wooden storage chest from Asia that she kept blankets in, is there any specific way I should store clothes inside it so they do not smell strange?

Line the base with unbleached cotton sheets before you put anything inside. This creates a barrier between the bare timber and your fabrics. Old wood absorbs centuries of incense, smoke and humidity. If the interior smells stale, leave the lid open on a dry day to let the air circulate. Avoid placing mothballs inside. The strong chemicals react badly with remaining lacquer and leave a permanent odour.

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Antique Chinese Chests

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Designed for storing robes, scrolls, and household goods, antique Chinese chests are substantial wooden boxes often resting on raised bases and secured with heavy brass hardware.