Sibu Tales : Camphor Wood Chest

A camphor wood chest is a priced family heirloom. Not many of our Foochow pioneers would have one.

However a few did obtain at least one when they had the money to acquire one. Usually they would remit their money to Singapore and the chests would then be shipped to Sibu from Fujian.

Fuqing is a province famous for the producting of camphor chests and other camphor furniture. Wood carvers from Fuqing have become very famous and prices have gone upwards of USD10,000.00 for some exquisite pieces.

Photo from Google

Camphor chests usually exude a special aroma. The wood is long lasting and clothes kept in the chests have a refreshing fragrance. Because camphor is a kind of insect repellent, termites cannot attack camphor chests.

Termites cause a lot of damages to wood and furniture in Sarawak.