A mid-20th century Chinese carved camphor wood chest. Measures Approx H47x W88xD32cm. Collection Only

A rectangular storage chest constructed from camphor wood, elaborately decorated with hand-carved relief panels. The top, front, and side panels feature traditional Chinese figurative scenes depicting characters in various modes of dress set within architectural and mountainous landscapes that include pavilions, bridges, and pine trees. These central scenes are enclosed by borders of stylized floral and foliate carvings. The chest is fitted with a large, circular brass latch plate and a central hasp featuring engraved floral motifs. It is supported by four carved bracket feet. The interior remains in a natural, unlined state. An incised mark is present on the upper right corner of the lid rim, though the characters are not clearly legible. Likely produced for the export market in a centre such as Hong Kong or Shanghai, circa 1930-1950.