Chinese Chests

Chinese chests are usually made of hardwood with brass hinges and clasps, and consist of all storage containers – large or small – with a lid. Because they traditionally tried to keep most things out of sight when not in use, the Chinese didn't consider chests a necessity. Chinese chests or trunks were used primarily to store away seasonal clothing, but they have also been used to transport silk, tea, and porcelain wares from China to other countries.

Chests usually have one large compartment inside, but it is not unusual for a Chinese chest to come with smaller compartments to place tiny objects. In order to protect valuables, many chests contained a fake bottom, and for space efficiency, many could also be stacked. Some chests were decorated minimally to show off the wood grain of the object, while others were adorned with narratives or symbols.

Quick Facts

• Traditionally, when a Chinese woman married, the bride’s parents would provide a dowry. This dowry would include new clothes presented in a wooden Chinese chest
• Chinese chests in the Ming Dynasty were mostly made in the south from camphor trees, which naturally repel insects like moths
• Before sea trade, Chinese people used camphor chests as a place to keep blankets, clothes, or linens, as well as food and papers they wanted stowed away