Hide Blanket Chests

A scarce nearly 300 year old antique Parisian travel trunk / storage chest by La Forest. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the first half of the 18th century, during the remarkable King Louis XV period (1715-1774), fine quality craftsmanship, construction and luxurious materials, featuring a solid wood frame with patinated metal mounts wrapped in animal hide binding to top and front, dual rolled iron carry handles at sides, slatted back and sturdy plank boarded verso, having a hinged dome top, open to original plaid flannel fabric lined interior, retaining maker's label under lid, signed La Forest. circa 1725 The label reads: Aux Armes De France Rue Saint Barthelemy, au bas du Pont-au-change, vis-a-vis l'Horloge du Palais La Forest, Maitre Coffretier- Malletier ordinaire de la Maifon de Condé : Fait & vend touted Fortescue de Coffres, Malles, Valifes, Etuis de Chapeaux, Fourreaux de Piftolets, Malles de Rouffi, & autres Marchandifes concernantles Voyages, Cantins, Caves, Malles de Lits, Coffres a Vaiffelles, Paniers de Bagages, & toutes Fortescue d'Equipages d'Armees. Le tout a jufte prix A Paris Translated: Street Saint Barthelemy, at the bottom of Pont-au-change, opposite the Palace Clock...

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 miscel...