Outstanding camphor wood chest with pull out secretary, China Trade made for the Western market, circa 1850. The front sides of the desk are rounded and are beautifully carved with a feather and tassel like decoration. The top section of the desk has a removable gallery with a beautifully carved back. These features are very desirable and rarely seen. The chest is made in two sections to accommodate easy transport. The top section has a full length drawer above a pull out secretary with felt writing surface which is flanked on either side with a pair of drawers above a full length drawer. The bottom section has two full length drawers All the drawers have set in brass drawer pulls with flip up brass bails. The edges around the desk surrounding the drawers are reeded. The desk sits on four turn feet which were possibly added around the turn of the century. (F-504)
Condition: There is a small section of wood that has been replaced in the top many years ago where a knot must have shrunk and fallen out. The chest has an old finish with scattered nicks and scraps. The green felt writing surface has been replaced.
Dimensions: Height 54 inches; Width 42 1/2 inches; Depth 20 inches.