Antique Korean Rice Storage Bin Dwiju Side Table

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A square-form chest from Korea circa end of 19th to early 20th century (End of Joseon to Korean Empire period). … Read more A square-form chest from Korea circa end of 19th to early 20th century (End of Joseon to Korean Empire period). The sturdy bin-like piece supported by unadorned block feet was made from solid elm (Zelkova) and pine wood. Traditionally, it was used in the kitchen to store rice or other grains (known as Dwiju in Korean). The simple minimalistic design was to meet its practical vernacular functionality. With time the piece has incurred tremendous characters and patina yet still retains a strong presence with an attractive aesthetic that is full of folky charm. This seemingly humble piece will make a great statement piece that shows off a wabi-sabi and earthy beauty in any modern interior.
The prototype of the rice chest like this one was found in many Korean households during late Joseon period. Near square in form, the solid elmwood walls show off expressive grains. A flip-open top with insert posts opens from the top. Exposed mortise-tenon joints brace the four corners. The iron lock plate features two subtle Buddhism Swastika cutout design. The interior was lined with rice paper par tradition. As an honest antique piece, one can see wonderful and pervasive patina: small stable crackle lines, the slight but attractive warping of the top plank, the stable separation between the side and the top planks, down to the small loss of one stroke of the swastika. All these characters make one meditate on the passage of time and wonder about the journey such a piece has undertaken.
For two similar rice chests, see the collection in Weisman Art Musuem item no 1989.7.71 and 1989.7.70.
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