Items Similar to Korean Medicine Chest with Drawers Yakchang
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15
Korean Medicine Chest with Drawers Yakchang
About the Item
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 and Accessories" by Mathieu Deprez.
- Dimensions:Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Other (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Fine condition with patina and age-related wear all over the piece including a small bump in the middle of the back edge. Great presence.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU945035990512
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2010
554 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Atlanta, GA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllFine Antique Tall Korean Medicine Chest Yakchang Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine antique Korean medicine or apothecary chest from late Joseon Dynasty (circa 19th century). Known as Yakchang in Korean, this type of 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. The fine piece was made from Paulownia wood, which has an insect-repelling quality. Relatively tall, the Yakchang features a slightly overhanging and upturning pagoda plank top. The upper part has ten rows of smaller drawers, eight per row and eighty total. The lower part is centered with double doors with brass hinges and pull that open to a small storage space, which is surrounded by twelve larger drawers. Each drawer is fitted with yellow brass pulls and with two names of the herbs in gilt Hanja writings.
Examination of the construction and patina shows that this is an authentic antique piece that has seen extensive historical use. Provenance: Purchase from Lucky-Chosun Furniture, Seoul, Korea in 1986 and remains in an American collection until now. With an original invoice and also a freight invoice from Korea to Hongkong. There is also an insurance appraised by Sotheby's from 1997.
A tall medicine chest with similar configuration from a doctor's home in Yongin Folk Village is illustrated on plate 75 page 61 in the book "Korean Furniture and Culture" by Bokcha, Soon and Youngsoon.
To compare with another Medicine Chest, see illustration on page 47 in "Korean Antique Furniture...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Korean Table Top Chest with Drawers Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small tabletop storage cabinet made from Paulownia wood and lacquered in black and decorated with yellow brass hardware circa 1900s of late Joseon dynasty. With two drawers for sto...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Wood
Small Korean Cabinet with Drawers Gakkesuri Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean mixed wood cabinet dated to Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The cabinet was used to keep valuables such as jewelries and money, often placed on the bed functioning ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Korean Scholar Book Storage Chest with Buddhism Symbols
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean wood chest desk made from zelkova wood (Korean Elm) circa late 19th century (end of Joseon period). The chest was likely used as to store and view books and manuscripts in m...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Iron
Korean Two-Level Stacking Chests with Mirrored Persimmon Wood Panels
Located in Atlanta, GA
Known as Ich'ung Nong in Korean, this two-level stacking chests were made from pine in frame, supplement with book-matched persimmon wood panels for the...
Category
Early 20th Century South Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Korean Ton-Kwe Chest Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Korean top-lid chest on block feet circa 19th century of Joseon Dynasty. Known as coin chest (Ton-Kwe in Korean), this type of chest was originally used for storing money. Th...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Korean Other Furniture
Materials
Iron
You May Also Like
Apothecary Medicine Chest with 45 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest.
Front in original red lacquer with 45 drawers (42 small drawers + 3 larger drawers at the bottom).
ach drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer.
These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Ctr. Apothecary Medicine Chest with 45 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest.
Front in original red lacquer with 45 drawers (42 small drawers + 3 larger drawers at the bottom).
Each drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Materials
Wood
Korean Laquer Chest
Located in San Marino, CA
Korean drop front chest. The original dark lacquer has mellowed to an attractive orange and red. Covered with black metal strapping and decorated metal.
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Folk Art Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
$3,800
Korean Blanket Chest
Located in Hudson, NY
Keyaki wood with Iron hardware in the form of butterflies.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Korean Furniture
Materials
Iron
$15,000
Antique Korean Garment Chest
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Rustic Furniture
Materials
Brass
Korean Wedding Chest, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered wedding chest dates to the early 20th century and was likely originally used as a bridewealth chest during a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. The exterior is finished with red and black lacquer and decorated with two round medallions conveying blessings of luck (?) and longevity (?). The medallions are surrounded by raised decoration resembling folk paper-cuts in the shape of floral wreaths and phoenixes. The chest opens from the top, secured with a brass lock plate in the form of a butterfly, a traditional symbol of a life of prosperity and joy. Vintage newsprint...
Category
Early 20th Century Korean Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Brass
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Asian Furniture With Drawers
Korea Brass
Asian Painted Drawers
Framed Art With Asian Brass Frame
Asian Door Hardware
Used Wood Paneling
Chinese Painted Chest
Asian Door Pulls
Brass Insect
Antique Chinese Chest Of Drawers
Grain Painted Chest
Chinese Wood Carved Chest
Korean Panel
Korea Chest
Chinese Bi
Korean Century Chest
Apothecary Store
Antique Korean Chests