Aubergine Leather Trunks From Jiangxi - 19th Century

These three Chinese leather-covered trunks were originally made for the storage and transport of clothing and valuables, travelling through merchant networks that linked Jiangxi workshops with the commercial districts of Guangzhou. One trunk (medium) retains its original brass hardware and is stamped with a merchant stamp; Gong He Tai. The stamp reads: “Our old shop is located on Yang Street in Jiangxi, facing south, distributing goods. Gong He Tai shop; Guangzhou City, Daxin Street, Chen Zhan General Goods Shop, No. 4, Bao Goods / Precious Goods”. They were a established supplier which helps confirm their late Qing to early Republican date and southern Chinese origin. The small box has an added red label with blessings; 源源 (“continually, in an unending stream”) & 生余 (“produce surplus”, “generate plenty”). 

The trunks are lightweight, sturdy and beautifully made, with a warm aubergine lacquer created by applying coloured lacquer over tanned leather. Their simple, practical form has changed very little over the past two centuries, and today they work equally well in modern interiors, either stacked decoratively, used for storage or styled individually as small coffee or side tables.

• Origin: Jiangxi Province,, South China
• Period: Late 19th century (Late Qing dynasty)
• Material: Leather over timber with original aubergine lacquer
• Hardware: Original brass lock plates, corner fittings and side handles
• Details: One interior lid is stamped with a merchant label Gong He Tai and Chen Zhan General Goods Shop on Daxin Street
• Use: Ideal for decorative storage, bedside styling or as a small coffee or side table
• Colour: Traditional aubergine lacquer, one of the classic colours used on Chinese leather trunks

Sizes:

• Small W37.5 × D20 × H16.5 cm
• Medium W51.5 × D31.5 × H22 cm
• Large W59 × D37 × H26 cm

A characterful set of southern Chinese leather trunks that combines practical storage with documented Jiangxi and Guangzhou merchant history.