Fine Antique Tall Korean Medicine Chest Yakchang Provenance

A Korean medicine or apothecary chest with curved leg support circa the first quarter of the 20th century. Known as Yakchang in Korea, the chest was used to sort and store herb medicines in its many small drawers. The prototype was originated in China, but this piece is distinctively Korean because of the classic style of the brass hardware. the configuration of the storage space in the lower part, the shape of the leg support and the wood paneling details. The upper part features thirty-six drawers with divided in six rows, each with a brass pull ring and two herb names in Hanja, carved and gilt. The lower part has a bi-door panels open to a storage compartment, which is flanked by four more drawers. Closer examination of the construction reveals that the frame and the drawers were made from Paulownia wood, which has an insect-repelling quality. The frame was painted and lacquered dark while the drawers remained natural. The front panels of the drawers and the doors were all made from Zelkova wood, showcasing its lovely linear dark grains. The interiors of the drawers are very clean and free of odor (have not been extensively used to store medicine). To compare with another Medicine Chest, see illustration on page 47 in "Korean Antique Furniture...

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A striking Korean Bandaji with lots of original patina circa 19th century of late Joseon Dynasty. 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 area in now North Korea and was clearly intended as a wedding chest. Constructed in limewood (also known as Lindenwood), which is rather plain and lacks grains, the chest was instead sumptuously decorated with nickel-copper (Paktong or white copper) plates, stripes and studs. Covering nearly the entire front of the cabinet, the metal plates were placed with eye-pleasing symmetry pattern. The top row is centered with a large square lock plate with latch and a heavy fish lock (no key), flanked by a pair of pulls set on plates in longevity mushroom pattern (lingzi). The middle row has a large cloud-form hinge in the center, flanked by three vertical pairs of rectangular hinges. The lower row features a large embossed and chased square plate with a character "Double happiness" in the center, a Hanja character reserved for the wedding ceremony. On both sides, large pair...

A Korean Bandaji chest circa late 19th century of Joseon Dynasty, from Gyeonggi Do (Central to South of Korean Peninsula where Seoul is located), likely Namhansanseong subtype. Known...

A Korean top-lid chest on elevated carved legs circa late 19th century of Joseon Dynasty. Known as coin chest (Ton-Kwe in Korean), this type of chest was originally used for storing ...

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Korean drop front chest. The original dark lacquer has mellowed to an attractive orange and red. Covered with black metal strapping and decorated metal.

Size: 44in H x 33in W x 20in D Drawer: 3in H x 11in W x 12.5in D each Door opening: 25in H x 23in W Origin: China Circa: 1950's Material: Wood Condition: Solid wood construction, Well balance, sturdy, normal age wear. Description: This beautiful vintage cabinet...

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