One of the most beautiful Korean Bandajis we have had with original patina circa mid-19th century of late Joseon Dynasty. Purchased in Seoul in 1987 and still retains its original hand-written invoice (dated to 1840s). Essentially a Korean drop front half-opening chest, Bandaji was widely used in the household to store family valuables, clothes and beddings. This particular piece on offer was made in Pyongyang area in now North Korea as a wedding chest indicated by the specific auspicious symbols on the metal hardware. Constructed in pearwood, a relatively rare wood type from northern peninsular, which is rather plain and lacks grains but mellowed into a lovely yellow color, the chest was instead sumptuously decorated with nickel-copper (Paktong) plates, hinges, stripes and bosses. Covering much of 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 lock (with key), flanked by a pair of pulls in the bat form (symbol of luck). The middle row has two cloud-form hinges alternate with four large vertical pairs of rectangular hinges. The lower row features a large fish plate (symbol of abundance) flanked by two crane plate...
Category
Mid-19th Century Other Antique Korean Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets