British Colonial Camphor Chest
Mid 19th centuryA British colonial travel chest in beautifully grained camphor wood, strengthened and simultaneously ornamented by brass mounts on the sides and all corners. The lid fitted with a small recessed handle on the front panel. The front with two brass escutcheons, a hasp and ring and on the sides brass carrying handles. The chest opens to an interior fitted with a lift out tray and one lidded compartment above two drawers at left hand side. The inside of the lid of the chest features a mirrored compartment flanked by two nicely decorated storage compartments. The camphor wood gives off a wonderful scent, which was intended to repel pests such as moths and woodworm from infesting the wood. Camphorwood chests were also widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as storage chests for seamen on their long voyages around the world.
The chest is in good condition and has been lovingly restored and finished to its former glory using a traditional form of French polishing and waxing.
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South India
British colonial India
H: 41 cm W: 87 cm D: 45 cm
H: 16” W: 34” D: 17½”
