boc001 Bombay Chest
A beautiful and charming piece of furniture. Classic lines are complemented with fine wood working details, such as curved drawer fronts and a finely shaped and beveled top. Drawers are extremely spacious and suited for storing a variety of items. Made of Alder and Birch hardwoods.
Size: 29 3/4"H x 34 1/2"W x 18 1/2"D
Shipped: Unassembled

boc002 This handsome chest is constructed from wide boards of aromatic camphor wood. The qualities (discovered by Europeans in the 17th century) and aroma of this tropical wood safeguarded silks, etc. from insects and other varmints on long ocean voyages from China to the Americas and Europe. These chests were built in the 'Treaty Ports' of China (where Westerners were allowed to reside and conduct business by the Imperial Chinese government) and in seaports on the Indian sub-continent.
Chinese carpenters and cabinetmakers in these ports specialized in this work. The chest's brass hardware is good looking but was really intended to protect the chest during the rough handling it was likely to receive being hauled aboard ship to be stowed in the hold or used as cabin furniture on long voyages half way around the world. Upon reaching theirdestination sailors, traders, and travelers appreciated the service these chests provided in keeping valuables safe, and also appreciated that these pieces were attractive and useful, and impressive artifacts of the 'Exotic East'.
Antique camphorwood chests have become extremely usefull today as coffee tables and end of the bed chests.
This chest is in fine condition withy mellow honey color, good brasses, and sturdy iron chest lifts. The piece has good patina and shows good character in its few old bumps and scratches aquired in the line of duty.
Dimensions: 35" w., 17"d., 16"h.