Antique Hand Carved Camphor Wood Chest Box Chinese Figural Relief Brass Hardware

Details

Description

Curator's Note
An expressive mid-century Asian carved softwood box featuring high-relief narrative panels on all sides. Framing detailed scenes of … Read more Curator's Note
An expressive mid-century Asian carved softwood box featuring high-relief narrative panels on all sides. Framing detailed scenes of figures amongst architectural pavilions and lush foliage, this box balances dark, patinated borders with rich honey-toned interior wood. Accentuated by a classical round engraved brass faceplate, it brings textural depth, historic charm, and sculptural warmth to a bookshelf, vanity, or side table.

This hand-carved Asian softwood trunk features intricate relief panels across all four sides and the hinged cover, depicting figures among pavilions, banana palms, and natural landscapes. Attributed to mid-20th century East Asian (likely Chinese export) craft workshops, the piece combines relief woodcarving techniques with traditional engraved brass hardware. Its textured surface and rich, dark-stained borders frame warm honey-toned interior camphor wood, creating an expressive decorative accent for rustic, global, or eclectic interior settings.

Physical Description
Form & Structure: Rectangular storage box with a hinged cover, raised on subtle block feet integrated into the base molding.

Carving Details: High-relief carved panels on top, front, back, and sides showcasing figures, architecture, palm flora, and incised border motifs.

Hardware: Round engraved brass faceplate with central locking post loops and upper hinge flap; interior fitted with two oxidized surface-mounted steel butt hinges.

Material & Construction: Hand-carved solid softwood (likely camphor wood) with dark hand-applied lacquer stain along the outer framing and plain natural wood interior.

Dimensions: 11.5" W x 6.8" D x 6.25" H.

Weight: 3 lbs 7.9 oz. See less