Antique Chinese Carved Elm Chest

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Dating from the mid 19th century, this delightful elm wood chest would have originally been used as a coffer to … Read more Dating from the mid 19th century, this delightful elm wood chest would have originally been used as a coffer to store money and valuables. It still has its original finish and traces of the old, once brightly coloured lacquer that is still evident on the spandrels, however overall it has worn in places revealing the paler wood beneth enhancing its charm and character.

This stunning chest has some beautifully crafted, carved decoration both on the five drawers, the apron and the spandrels. The relief carvings on the drawers show floral patterns and vases, and this motif is repeated on the side spandrels in relief and open carving and will have been produced by a highly skilled carpenter.

When the coffer was produced only the two upper drawers would have been included and the space behind the lower panels could only have been accessed by removing these, and would have been used to store especially prized or valuable items.

A delightful piece of furniture that will add a piece of Chinese history to modern home. See less