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1960s Cambay Chin Hua Dresser Credenza by Century Furniture - $2,215 (San Marcos)
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I emailed Century and they claimed the piece was the '14-404 from the Cambay collection (Spring 1963 - Fall 1969), Mahogany solids & Cherry veneer.' Very similar pieces claimed to be from the Chin Hua collection. This was my great Uncle's so I am not sure exactly what year he bought it but he was a WWII vet so 60's sound about right.
About Century Furniture -
Renowned for its enduring vintage display cabinets, nightstands, and dressers crafted from cherry, oak, walnut, and more, Century Furniture, based in Hickory, North Carolina, initially started as an upholstered goods company in 1947. It swiftly expanded its offerings to include case goods and sophisticated mahogany dining-room furnishings.
Founded by Harley Ferguson Shuford Sr., a Hickory native from a family of textile mill owners, Century Furniture aimed to be "the best furniture company in the world." The brand gained momentum during the production of a government contract secured by Shuford in its early days, involving the manufacturing of thousands of five-drawer chests. This endeavor was not only significant but also a valuable learning experience for Shuford and his team as they navigated the complexities of running a factory.
In 1950, the hiring of designer Raymond K. Sobota marked a pivotal moment for Century Furniture. The introduction of the highly popular Citation Collection in 1954 solidified the brand's reputation as a leader in stylishly designed, high-quality furniture. Sobota, with a familial connection to furniture design, brought his expertise to Century after working with his uncle Karl Schmidt, a well-known furniture designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Century's Citation line, spanning bedroom and dining room furnishings, is celebrated among vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors. Sobota's prolific career at Century, spanning 40 years until his retirement in 1995, resulted in over 100 furniture lines. His creations, such as nightstands, cabinets, and side tables, showcase his fascination with Asian design, notably demonstrated in the Hollywood Regency–style Chin Hua line launched in the 1970s. This collection, featuring brass drawer pulls and door handles inspired by Asian motifs, remains highly sought after.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Manhattan interior designer Jay Spectre infused an Art Deco–informed spirit into Century Furniture. His Eclipse collection, featuring oversized lounge chairs and bentwood benches with tufted leather cushions, became one of the brand's top-selling lines.
Century Furniture also collaborated with renowned interior designers like Thomas O'Brien, Charlotte Moss, and Bunny Williams, securing licenses for their collections. In 2013, with the appointment of Alex Shuford III as president, Century Furniture marked the succession of the third generation to lead the company. Today, Century Furniture stands as one of the world's largest privately held manufacturers of high-end furniture. less
DIMENSIONS
74ʺW × 19ʺD × 32ʺH
STYLES
Mid-Century Modern
BRAND
Century Furniture
STYLED AFTER
Chin-Hua
PERIOD
1960s
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
United States
ITEM TYPE
Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
MATERIALS
Cherry Wood
CONDITION
Good Condition, Restored, Some Imperfections
COLOR
Ebony
CONDITION NOTES
Piece was professionally restored to its original condition as closely as possible.