Camphor Keepsake Box From Tianjin - 19th Century Small Mirrors framed by a scalloped arch

framed by a scalloped arch and scrolling foliate borders

this chest — or pataro in the local dialect — would once have held an elaborate dowry

white washed to fit into a contemporary home

160 x 38 x 79 (wxdxh cms)

Camphor Keepsake Box From Tianjin - 19th Century Small Mirrors framed by a scalloped archTraditional Chinese camphor boxes were typically produced in sets and were uncarved. It was not until they began producing for the Western market that camphor chests became featured exuberant carving. This Chinese camphor box is from Tianjin and dates to the 19th century. Although larger Chinese camphor trunks were traditionally used for storing clothing, these smaller boxes would have stored valuable smaller items and this one has a tray to separate