Trash or treasure? Let’s find out

A mystery chest

Carol Pittendrigh of Jo’burg writes This chest belonged to a friend’s grandmother who lived in Indonesia in the early 1900s. At first it appeared to be wood but when the sun shone on the wood it gleamed as if painted. I took a photo and the flash reflected what appears to be gold paint! I’ve seen a few similar carved camphor chests but never with this paint effect. Can you tell us anything about it?

Johan Joubert of Stephan Welz & Co. replies These chests are sometimes erroneously called “tea chests” but they were manufactured as decorative storage for export to the West. They were decorated to suit the Western perception of Oriental style with figures in traditional landscape and architectural settings. Chests produced for Chinese consumption would have been left unadorned or finely carved with Chinese symbols such as dragons, phoenixes or lotus flowers.

Chests such as this one were often carved from camphor wood due to its insect-repellent qualities, making it suitable for storage of clothing and other textiles. Camphor wood can have a golden shimmer, but it’s quite likely that this particular chest was later painted to the owner’s specifications.

Vast numbers of these chests were manufactured in China during the first half of the 20th century.

CIRCA 20th century

VALUE R3 000 – R5 000

In keeping with tradition

Elsabe Bettesworth of Ceres writes This piece is a precious family heirloom that dates from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Can you tell me more about it? Sophie-Louise Fröhlich of Stephan Welz & Co. replies It’s an Arts & Crafts mirror-backed chiffonier. The Arts & Crafts movement began in Britain, moved to Europe and North America, and ended in the Orient. The time period spans from 1880 to 1920. Medieval designs are often incorporated and the emphasis was on traditional craftsmanship and anti-industrialism.

CIRCA late 19th century – early 20th century

VALUE ± R4 000 at auction

CONTACT ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za