Small Korean Cabinet With Drawers Gakkesuri Joseon Dynasty

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A small Korean mixed wood cabinet dated to Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The cabinet was used to keep valuables … Read more A small Korean mixed wood cabinet dated to Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The cabinet was used to keep valuables such as jewelries and money, often placed on the bed functioning as a safe (known in Korean as Gakkesuri). It consists of many smaller compartments to sort items easily. There are three drawers above a double door that opens to three additional drawers. The facade of the cabinet features Zelkova (neutinamu in Korean) burl panels with expressive dark grains. The richness is further enhanced with bright brass fittings of original matching hinges, knobs, handles and pulls. The front door has a ring lock mechanism typical of the pieces from that era. The cabinet is supported with an attached carved base.
As a small luxury piece of furniture, the coffer is dated to mid-late 19th century and made in central or southern Korea peninsula where Zelkova trees were grown. It has a lot of characters resulting from years of use and was probably passed down the generations and taken to the United States eventually.
For a similar Gakkesuri safe, see item 1987.22.62 in the permanent collection of the Korean Furniture at Weisman Art Musuem. It is also illustrated on page 44 of "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai. See less