Trunk, used by Biaoju, the professional firm furnishing armed escort in old China. This is a rare piece that was so strong and heavy with its original cast-iron hardware and lock offering perfect protection against hit, theft, press and wear-and-tear. It was used not only for holding things, but for sitting as well. One small compartment located at one side of the storage of the piece is supposedly for holding small and important things such as money and jewelry. and one of top selections for making strong, elegant and long-lived furniture, 18th / early 19th century, Qing dynasty, acquired in Hebei province, *Nanmu,Phoebe nees
*Nanmu is one of the most precious woods used to make the finest furniture in old times. Namu is a large, slow growing tree of the evergreen laurel family that develops with a long straight trunk ranging from 10-40 meters in height, and 50 to 100 cm in diameter. While sharing some characteristics with the coniferous cedar, it bears no botanical relationship. More than thirty varieties are found south of the Yangzi River with concentrations in the southwest; varieties are also indigenous to Hainan Island and Vietnam. Because it is highly resistant to decay, nanmu was frequently used for architectural woodworking and boat-building. The wood dries well with minimal warping or splitting after which it is dimensionally stable and of medium density (zhennan ¡À.61 g/cm3). Nanmu also emits a pungent fragrance when freshly worked. And because it polishes to a shimmering surface and has fine smooth texture, it was also prized as furniture-making wood. Shimmering characteristics also qualify that which is termed 'jinsi' (golden-thread) nanmu. The burl of nanmu (douban nan) was also commonly featured in table and cabinet door panels.