Korean Black Lacquer Wedding Chest

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...

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 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...

This stunning, ornate chest was masterfully constructed over 150 years by artisans in northern China. Although the design follows classic forms, vibrant d...

This ornate Korean stool was crafted in the early 20th century of lacquered papier-mâché with beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay, a decorative technique known as "najeonchilgi." During ...

This mid-19th century fang deng (square stool) was made in Hebei province and crafted of elm foraged from the forests of northern China. The stretchers encircling the outer edges of the rounded legs highlight the masterful carpentry employed to create this very pure and simple form in the most elegant Ming fashion. This detail gives the design a natural flow and references bent bamboo. Chinese carpenters during the Qing dynasty held simplicity and craftsmanship in equal regard. In this spirit they emulated the simpler forms of bamboo furniture making that were popular in earlier times...

Atop a layer of lustrous black lacquer, intricately painted floral decoration elevates this minimal square table into a work of art. A leafy trailing vines motif winds across the sur...

A beautifully painted lacquer trunk with chinoiserie on three sides and a striking red interior. From Shanxi Province, c. 1900. CST327

A Indian wedding chest from the mid 20th century, with brass accents, multiple jewelry compartments, floral décor and petite central mirror. Creat...

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...

Korean Wedding Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty style.A Korean Bandaji chest circa late early to mid 20th century of Joseon Dynasty. Known as drop fr...

A Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty from Gyeonggi Do. Bandaji is known as drop front half opening chest and was traditionally used to stor...