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Pair of Korean Lacquer Wood Stacking Nong Cabinets with Striking Inlays

About the Item

A fine pair of two-tier stacking cabinets, known as Nong in Korean, circa early 20th century (Korean Empire to Japanese Colonial Period). The square cabinet each is fitted with a pair of single panel doors opens to ample storage. The lower cabinet is supported by scrolled feet, while the upper cabinet sits directly on top. The surface was lacquered in a dark brown color with sprinkled subtly with gold powders. Elaborate inlay work with mother of pearl (MOP), tortoise shell scales (or a material made to mimic golden tortoise shell, not tested) and coiled brass wires, beautifully depicts a facing pair of four-clawed dragons chasing a flaming pearl on the front of each cabinet, surrounded by scrolling clouds of brass wire inlay. Both sides and the tops were inlaid with similar motif of dragon slithering. The bottom cabinets are supported with scrolled feet and aprons decorated with further floral patterns. Brown brass lock plate in the shape of butterfly with chased design provide the security. Four original locks with Ying-yang symbol and two keys remain. The interiors were strikingly lined with red and blue paper, probably from a later time. Visually arresting with its tour-de-force workmanship and dazzling materials it employed, these were luxurious pieces made for noble or royal household. A pair of identical Nongs are in the collection of National Musuem of Korea with Collection No. 증 9299.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 53 in (134.62 cm)Width: 63.5 in (161.29 cm)Depth: 14.75 in (37.47 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Other (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900-1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Well preserved in fine condition with only minor wear on the corner and edge. Interior lining from a later time and shows minor wear. Original locks and keys.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU945036756922
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    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...
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