Chinese Camphor Wood Carved Ship Pattern Blanket Box
This is a Chinese camphor wood blanket box, decorated overall with carved ship pattern scenes. The rectangular box has a hinged lid and stands on four carved feet. The lid features a large central panel showing sailing junks on water beneath a hilly, detailed landscape, set within a carved border of scrolling foliage and stylised flower heads. The front panel repeats the maritime theme with a row of junks under full sail, framed by a carved band of floral roundels and leaf motifs. A decorative brass lock plate with a pierced, scalloped outline is fitted to the centre of the front. The carving is in relief and is worked in a warm honey tone with darker recesses picking out the detail.
Condition and Collectability
The box shows general signs of age and use consistent with its years. There is wear to the finish, with some darkening and surface marking, and a small area of damage to one upper corner. Edges and carved detail show the handling expected of a piece of this type. The carved decoration remains crisp across the lid and front, and the box retains its original brass hardware and carved feet. The ship pattern scenes and overall carving will appeal to collectors of Chinese carved furniture, and to buyers seeking a characterful blanket box or storage chest for a bedroom, hallway or living room.
