Pair of Full Moon Kang Trunks

Trunks and storage chests were the most ubiquitous form of household storage throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Used to store clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, and other miscellaneous items, trunks were found in every room in the home and were often stacked on top of one another.

This elegant pair of trunks dates to the turn of the century and would have been used atop a kang platform in a well-to-do Qing-dynasty home. Both trunks are crafted of northern elm (yumu) and coated in dark lacquer for a rich red-brown finish. Brass handles hang from the sides and a full moon lock plate adorns the fronts. The corners are reinforced with brass fittings and the interior is decorated with a paper lining patterned with flowers and offering fruits. Minimally decorated, these simple trunks are an excellent storage solution for any interior.