Antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Island

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An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Made from hardwood planks (possibly pine or pearwood) … Read more An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Made from hardwood planks (possibly pine or pearwood) and stained in a dark color, the storage cabinet showcases iconic characteristics of Bandaji made on the island. The half-open chest exudes a folky charm. The surface of the think wood planks was somewhat roughly hewn, exposing grains and knots. The chest is tightly fitted with oversized black iron hardware of hammered texture that include the cloud-shape hinges and lock plate, the underplate of the puller in the shape of bat, arrow-shaped joint hinges along the edges, the pomegranate shaped join plate and three large star nails on either side. Many of these plates features the cutout design of the Buddhist Swastika symbol. There are pull handles on either side for transportation. The iron lock remains and appears original to the cabinet. The interior is relatively clean with remaining paper lining and exposed wood surface, typical for these pieces.
For a nearly identical Bandaji in the collection of Weisman Art Musuem in Minneapolis, see illustration 35 on page 54 of the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pal.
Another similar example can be found in the collection of Portland Art Musuem 81.97.4A-D. See less