STRUCTURAL FEATURES: Made out of naturally fragrant camphor wood — characteristically light brown in colour yet sinewy, with a slight sheen to it — such chests are of frequent use during the 18th and 19th centuries, mainly to transport tea, porcelain and silks from China to Europe. They are also used as a form of decorative display in the houses of the wealthy. Prior to the sea trade, families in China traditionally made use of these chests to store blankets, linen and other household objects. The chest has bracket legs with a step-like carved pattern on their sides.

STYLISTIC FEATURES: Intricately carved motifs such as those of boats with sails, human figurines, a crane or heron, lush foliage, as well as rosette and floral patterns adorn the lid and the front panel of the chest. Similar patterns also curve around its edges, sides and back.

Courtesy: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai