British Colonial Camphor Secretaire Chest of Drawers
Mid 19th centuryA beautiful British colonial campaign secretaire chest of drawers made of camphorwood and decorated with nicely contrasting ebony. The top drawer opens to reveal a secretaire interior fitted with several compartments and drawers, allowing records and office supplies to be neatly stored in one place. The writing surface with replaced black leather. The chest further features three deep long drawers; all flush fitting with the original recessed brass handles and with an inlaid ebony line and escutcheon on the drawer front. The two reeded pillars with leaf carving at the top and bottom, are made from solid pieces of ebony. This beautiful piece is constructed of wide single planks of camphor with brass lift handles on the sides and rests on bun feet.
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The chest has been lovingly restored and finished to its former glory using a traditional form of French polishing and waxing. The camphor wood has a rich warm shade with a striking grain and gives off a wonderful scent, which repels pests such as moths and woodworm from infesting the wood or the content.
South India
British colonial India
H: 116 cm W: 128 cm D: 58 cm
H: 45½” W: 50½” D: 23”
