Rare Antique Korean Bandaji Chest South Jolla Joseon Dynasty

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A Korean Bandaji Chest circa 19th century (toward the end of Joseon Dynasty) from South Jolla (Cholla) province. Bandaji is … Read more A Korean Bandaji Chest circa 19th century (toward the end of Joseon Dynasty) from South Jolla (Cholla) province. Bandaji is known as drop-front half opening chest and was traditionally used to store household valuables and beddings.
This Bandaji is a rare example made from pearwood from the southern province. It is relatively large in size with a rational minimalistic air. The construction was done with thick planks of pearwood, which rarely grows very large and as a priced wood type with smooth grain and texture, generally reserved for framing of the finest pieces. The finger joints along the sides board were meticulously made. The overall surface was finished in a red lacquer that exhibits a deep patina incurred through the ages. The black iron hardware was used sparkly, although the details in motif such as the swallowtail hinges and swastika diamond were not overlooked at all. The contrast of the laconic hardware with the flatly lacquered monotone surface made this piece quite unique among the Korean furniture. Inside the chest, the upper portion was fitted with a top shelf and two stacks of five drawers below, each with a brass ring pull. The frame was done in Zelkova wood with dark grains. The two larger drawers have veneered front panel from Persimmon wood while the three smaller ones have burl wood front panel. The body of the drawers were made from Paulownia wood. The lower portion was reserved for storage. There are two conforming iron handles on the side of the chest, and it is supported on two block feet.
Note that the surface of the chest was deeply patinated from use. There are deep gouges on top, prevalent rubbing, scratches, edge chips, dings and small losses on the corner throughout. There are a couple of black driplines from the hardware (one prominent on the left of the front and other on the side). These were likely the result of recoating the iron hardware at some point of the life of this chest. Possible surface relacquering as well. The iron hardware shows lots of wear from contact, with spots of rust and accretion and losses in areas of the surface black lacquer. The interior is reasonable but with dark stains on the bottom. One small drawer has a veneer chip on one corner. For seriously collectors, these would not be viewed as flaws but signs of an authentic piece from extensive use. It is a story-telling piece.
A nearly identical Bandaji made from Pearwood from South Jolla province is illustrated on page 26 of the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Wrigt and Sill Pai. See less