Pair Of Black Lacquer Camphor Chests - 19th Century

This pair of antique Chinese black lacquer chests date to the 19th century (1850-1900) and are from Shanxi. They are constructed from black lacquered camphor wood which is naturally bug repellent indicating these chests would have been used for storing clothes, bedding and fabrics. This style is rare and relatively unique with removable stands which would have been tied to the chests using leather or cloth strapping. 

These chests have a sophisticated contemporary feel and would complement a wide variety of interior styles. They could be used as a set of coffee tables or side tables. They have retained their original good quality brass hardware.

References:

For a similar chest see Fig 129 of Traditional Chinese Furniture From The Greater Shanxi Region by C.L. Ma