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Red Lacquer Camphor Chinese Chest - 18th Century

SKU: M690

18th Century, from China

Title
£2,100
0%

Dimensions: W125 x D63 x H72 cm

UK Delivery: £40 (4-8 working days) excl. Highlands & Islands

Estimated delivery between 31 Mar - 03 Apr
Estimated delivery between 02 Apr - 06 Apr

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Use code DELIVERY at checkout for Free Delivery Over £250

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Product Description & Specifications

Title

We've only seen a handful of pieces like this in our 45 years of traveling Asia. Chests of this style are true transnational treasures that transcend borders and are barely documented. These red lacquer chests were made in Canton, China in the 18th century for the Anglo-Indian market and were used on East Indiaman trading ships plying the routes between China, India & Britain. They are the precursors to the more famous red leather camphor chests of the 19th century produced in Canton. 

The shape of the chest and style is Anglo-Indian, as are the brass handles however, the brass corners are ruyi, the symbol for a ceremonial scepter symbolising power and good fortune in Buddhist & Chinese folklore. The lock plate is a double headed eagle known as Gandaberunda or Berunda, a bird from Hindu mythology particularly prominent in South India.

Whilst this chest is in good condition, most we find are in very poor condition because of their age with badly damaged paint & missing brass corners.
On similar examples we've owned, we've found the date of 1710 inside one of the drawers. Whilst this can't be verified, it aligns with the dates that East Indiaman ships were in use.
It is constructed from incredibly thick planks of camphor wood which is uncommon as planks are usually thin panels. 


References:

A near identical incorrectly dated example sold at Christie's "Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior By Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler" for £4,750 in November 2020. 

See similar chests featured in a gouache from the collection of Benjamin Ginsberg, featured in "Decorative Arts of The China Trade" by C L Crossman - Colour Plate 92. In the same book, Crossman refers to the double headed eagle escutcheons being found only on the rarest of chests. See plate 137. 

 

Made in China and imported to India

UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
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  • Restored In The UK

    Our team of furniture restorers sympathetically restore & check every piece.

  • Authenticity 

    Guaranteed authenticity on all antique pieces

  • Free Collection

    Free collection from our Wiltshire warehouse

  • Over 45 Years Experience

    We've been sourcing from India, China & the UK Art Market for almost 50 years.

RESTORATION & FINISHING

RESTORED IN WILTSHIRE

Our team of three professional restorers use traditional methods to restore each piece to its former glory whilst conserving patina & age. 

We've been travelling to Asia for almost 50 years so we know what we're talking about. 

 

As our value promise to you, we made the choice to restore and finish every piece we sell in our Wiltshire workshops. This allows us to guarantee quality & authenticity on every piece. 

SOURCED FROM ASIA

Owners, Tom, Richard & Marion travel across India, China, Tibet Japan & South East Asia sourcing the most beautiful art & antiques. 

DELIVERY & RETURNS

DELIVERY

Small Items

£7.50

Royal Mail or DPD

(2-5 working days)

Medium Items

£15

Usually DPD Courier

(2-5 working Days)

Small Furniture

£40

2 Man Furniture Delivery

(4-8 working days)

Large Furniture

£80

2 Man Furniture Delivery

(4-8 working days)

Our trusted furniture courier will contact you to arrange a mutually suitable delivery date. 

Additional charges may apply for deliveries to Highlands & Islands

Please contact us with any specific delivery requirements or if your order is being delivered above the 1st floor.

Always check access before confirming your order. Call or email us if you need advice. 

International Delivery

Please contact us for quotes on individual pieces at enquiries@indigo-uk.com, Livechat or calling +44 1672 564722

RETURNS

Hassle Free Returns within 28 days for a full refund (excluding delivery charges).

To expedite your return and refund, we ask you email us at enquiries@indigo-uk.com to notify us of any returns.

Returns should be sent to our shop address.

Collections can be arranged on request. The cost of collection will be deducted from your final refund.

Items must be returned in a resellable condition.

Still Have Questions?

For any questions about delivery or our products, or if you have special requirements such as narrow access, contact us.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the condition of this piece?

Every item on our website has been expertly restored in our UK workshops. We avoid over-restoring items and make sure every piece is conserved to be safe and appreciated for many years to come. Each item we sell has to meet our high standards. 

Any specific condition information of note can be found in our product description above. 

How do I look after a piece from Indigo? 

Your antiques should look after themselves and should need very little cleaning. Occassionally dust with a microfibre cloth. For further information, ask us, or consult our How To Clean Antique Furniture guide

How did you become interested in Oriental antiques?

Marion & Richard spent much of their early lives travelling in India and developed a shared passion for the everyday beauty of Indian architecture and antiques. Tom, their son, and now owner has been travelling to Asia since 3 years of age. 

How do you know your suppliers & workers are treated fairly?

We work with small family businesses in China & India who share our values. We go straight to supplier warehouses and workshops to check working conditions. 

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