A 19th-century Chinese camphor wood trunk. This antique Chinese camphor wood chest features a beautifully hand-painted red leather-covered exterior that is worn in places to expose the natural color of the leather. There is a seal printed on the front. The chest retains its original hardware. Most of these Chinese camphor-wood chests were originally used by westerners (traders, sea captains, military men) in the early 1800s to carry tea, silks, and porcelain from China to European destinations.