A rare labeled example of Chinese Export campaign furniture, with red printed ‘Ahning’ tag on interior rim of trunk. The solid camphor wood body featuring excellent figuring, and with brass hinges and protective corner mounts. 

The firm of Ah-Ning was one of the several cabinet makers operating around Carpenters’ Square in china trade-era Canton. Possibly the only Chinese maker to regularly label their pieces, little is known of the firm’s production but pieces are generally from the 1780-1834 period, with the label on this trunk dating on the earlier end of that date range. Two major fires wiped out the neighborhood around the European Hongs in 1834, and no further reference to the firm can be found after that date. 

Chinese circa 1820, solid camphor wood construction with brass hinges and other mounts. Fine antique condition with beautiful golden color and lovely aromatic interior.