Hand carved chest, ships bridge market

This beautifully hand-carved wood chest features intricate Asian scenes on all sides, including sailboats, villagers, mountains, and trees. Crafted from richly grained wood, it boasts deep relief carving and a warm, polished finish. The interior is clean and spacious with a natural wood grain lining, and the chest closes securely with its original brass clasp and hardware.

Condition:
Good vintage condition. Minor wear consistent with age including light surface scratches and natural wood patina. Brass hardware shows some age-related tarnish. Structurally solid and clean inside.

Features:

• Solid wood

• Hand-carved on all visible surfaces

• Original brass latch and hinges

• Raised block feet

• Deep carved panels depicting traditional Asian landscapes and scenes

Common Characteristics of Camphor Wood Chests:

1. Origin and Style:
   The design and carvings on your chest—Asian scenes with ships, landscapes, and village life—are strongly associated with mid-20th century export camphor wood chests, particularly from China and Hong Kong.

2. Color and Grain:
   Camphor wood typically has a golden to reddish-brown hue with darker streaks or patches, and a fine to moderately coarse grain. This chest shows similar color tones and a pattern that fits.

3. Interior Fragrance:
   Camphor wood has a distinctive menthol-like or camphoraceous smell, which persists for years. If the chest has a noticeable, clean, almost medicinal scent inside—that’s a strong indicator it's camphor.

4. Functionality:
   Camphor wood naturally repels insects and mold, which is why it was widely used for storage chests, particularly in humid climates.

5. Weight and Construction:
   Camphor is a relatively lightweight hardwood and was often used in lined construction, as seen in this chest’s clean interior panels.