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In the 18th and 19th century these chests, generally made from camphor wood, were primarily used to transport tea, porcelain, and silks from China to Europe. Prior to their use in sea trade, camphor chests were used in Chinese households as storage units for objects such as blankets and linens. More decorative renditions of these chests were also used as pieces of furniture in wealthy houses. More recently, many of these trunks have been used as a hope chest.