Ancient Chinese export chest carved – Decor of dragon, phoenix and landscape

19th-century Chinese export chest, apparently commissioned for a wealthy Indonesian family who later moved to Como, Italy. A striking large antique Chinese wooden storage chest, extensively decorated with exceptionally rich and deeply carved relief work. The hinged lid is centred by a finely carved Chinese dragon, surrounded by ornamental borders featuring floral and swirling motifs. The exterior is profusely carved with a lively narrative scene incorporating dragons, phoenix-like birds, figures, traditional buildings, boats, waves, and landscape/mountain elements. The lower section is further decorated with swirling foliage and stylised auspicious motifs, resting on sculpted bracket feet. The chest has a substantial rectangular construction with a spacious and simple wooden interior. The overall decorative scheme combines traditional Chinese auspicious imagery with the exuberant character often associated with Chinese furniture produced for Southeast Asian markets. The chest was made from carved hardwood, likely camphor or another tropical hardwood from Southeast Asia. Period: 19th century, possibly older. Condition: very good aged condition with signs of wear, old marks, and signs of use consistent with age; natural cracks in the wood can be seen on the hinged lid; the lid handle is missing.