Antique Korean Mirror and Cosmetic Box

An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Made from hardwood planks (possibly pine or pearwood) and stained in a dark color...

A two-tier stacking storage cabinet on comforting stand, known as Nong in Korean, circa early 20th century (end of Joseon to Korean Empire Period). Each cabinet is fitted with a pair of paneled doors opening in the center to ample storage. The upper cabinet also has a row of four small drawers on top. The stacking cabinet directly sit directly on top of the support stand. Constructed in pine frame with exposed finger joints, they were simply finished in black lacquer on top and the sides. The facade of the cabinets, however, showcases meticulously chosen persimmon wood panels. The striking wood veneer with the bold black grains were perfectly matched in mirrored fashion. Visually arresting, the dark wood grains appear like bold strokes on an abstract ink painting. The yellow brass hardware is of relatively smaller sizes with subdued motifs in order not to overtake the beauty of the wood. They consist of drawer pulls, corner brackets, petal-form hinges and larger lock plates with cutout coin design. The interior was stripped clean showing the natural wood and some residues of old lining rice paper. We can trace the Nong cabinet on offer here to the more southern providences of the Korean Peninsula where Persimmon trees grow and were harvested, such as Jeolla Do or Chungcheong Do. The wood was beloved by Korean furniture makers in Yi dynasty and used on eye-catching pieces to emphasize the natural beauty of the wood. Examining the piece, one can see extensive and deep patina incurred from its age and previous use, yet the cabinet remains aesthetically stunning as an antique piece with an unexpected modern flare. For a similar two-tier chest with near identical configuration, size and wood used, see relic no 007182 in the collection of National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul. The piece is also illustrated on the cover as well as page 46 of the book "Korean Antique...

A black lacquered wood wedding box known as Ham in Korea with a conforming stand. Based on the construction and design, the piece is likely dated to early 20th century (Korean Empire...

Bandaji is known as drop front half-opening chest that was used to store family valuables and beddings. The Bandaji on offer was made in Pyongyang region of Pyongan Do (province) in ...

This vintage Korean garment chest is crafted from light honey-colored wood, featuring intricate metal filigree accents. It has two hinged door compartments, offering both storage and...

Antique Korean Blanket chest, elaborately decorated with ornate brass mounts in various geometric forms, some of which have incised landsc...

An exceptional elm wood Korean chest with hand forged iron work mounts. The original finish with beautiful grain with dovetailed corners. The front drop lid opens showing a large sto...

This Early 20th-Century Korean Tansu Chest is a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship, featuring intricate hand-forged hardware and a beauti...