Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

This is a richly carved Chinese teak chest lined with camphor wood made in Hong Kong in 1961. All the documents surrounding its purchase from You On Co & We On Co of Kowloon by Mr Everitt of Formby, Lancashire have been kept with the chest ever since. Consequently, we know that a 25% deposit was paid on 3rd January 1962 with the balance paid on arrival of the chest on 30th April, giving a total price of £31, which was a considerable sum for the time.

The carving is of the highest standard - superior to any other chest we have seen. The front and top both depict a dragon swirling among clouds facing a phoenix standing on rocks. Three finely carved peonies occupy the central ground and the whole scene is framed by a border of clouds. On the top the dragon is to the right with the phoenix to the left, while on the front the figures are reversed, which results in a pleasing balance. The sides and back are much more simply carved as is typically the case with these chests. The chest stands on stepped bracket feet which are also carved with clouds.

The lid opens to reveal the pleasant smell of camphor wood. 'EMPIRE MADE' is stamped on the inside of the lid.

Dimensions:
Width 104 cm
Depth 50 cm
Height 62 cm

Condition: The chest is in very good condition with an attractive colour. Unusually, there are no shrinkage splits in the wood. The front, however, is a little bowed and some of the brass latch is missing leaving only the back plate. The chest has passed through our workshop for a good clean and wax and is ready to make a statement in your home as well as being useful for storing clothes and bedlinen.

Delivery: This chest can be delivered to anywhere on mainland England and most of Wales for £60 by our trusted delivery man.