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	The chest is one of the first pieces of &nbsp;furniture and &nbsp;was an essential item in Medieval times and up to the early Renaissance period. &nbsp;Food, clothes or arms were stored in the chest but it could also serve as a table or as seating. &nbsp;In the 15th and 16th C marriage chests contained the dowry items brought by the new wife. &nbsp;In the late 16th C the chest &nbsp;was replaced by the cabinet, chest of drawers and buffet as &nbsp;furniture but still used for travelling.<br />
	The <a href="http://www.antiques-in-france.com/other_item/nuremberg-chest">Nuremberg ches</a>t used in the 17th and 18th C is made from painted metal and has a complicated locking system with an imitation lock on the front. &nbsp;Through the 19th C the chest continued to be used in &nbsp;rural communities for storing flour, salt, blankets, etc. &nbsp;The camphor chest was particularly used for storing clothes due to the fact that camphor wood repels insects.</p>
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	Today antique chests are used not only for storage but a coffee tables in the living room.</div>