Chinese Export Chest

19th century

A Chinese export chest (Chinese, 19th century) made of camphorwood and brass. This chest was created by Ahning, one of the few known cabinetmakers of mid-19th-century Canton. His label is still able to be seen on the inside of the lid. The chest features brass corner brackets, two side handles, and one front finger loop. An engraved plaque on the lid reads “Edward King”, and the piece may have been among his first purchases in China. In the diary he kept on his initial voyage to Asia, Edward wrote, "Camphor trunks should be purchased as soon as I get to Canton."

Chinese

camphorwood

brass

30.25" x 16.5"

Gift of the Estate of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives, 1972.

PSNC.6431