Korean Wedding Box on Stand Lacquer with MOP Inlays

Details

Description

A black lacquered wood wedding box known as Ham in Korea with a conforming stand. Based on the construction and … Read more A black lacquered wood wedding box known as Ham in Korea with a conforming stand. Based on the construction and design, the piece is likely dated to early 20th century (Korean Empire to early Japanese occupation period), possibly early to the end of Joseon Dynasty. The Ham box was used in traditional Korean Wedding ceremony as a gift presenting-box from the groom to the bride's family and they tend to be decorated with auspicious and joyful symbols as we see on this piece. They rare come with the stand so we are not entirely certain if the current stand is an original to the box or a later custom addition The box is lacquered black, and the showcase decoration is the mother of pearl inlay on the facade flanking the large yellow brass lock plate. The motif is the clusters of plum blossom and bamboo with birds perching on the branch and in flight. Asian plum tree blooms in winter, together with evergreen plants like bamboo and pines, they were known as "Three friends in cold winter" and symbolizes the perseverance in the physical and spiritual energy in harsh environment. The large lock plate with eight magical fungi heads in the front features a long latch and chased design of eight Buddhism auspicious symbols and two Chinese character "Fu" (Fortunate) and "Shou" (Longevity). The two large hinges on the back are ensuite with the front hardware with similar design and each with the same two characters.
The interior of the box was finished in a cinnabar red lacquer. The base is quite elegantly carved with curvy legs, scrolling corner brackets and connecting stretcher bars. Brass lock and key present but the operation is a bit sticky.
The box sits on the stand and itself measures 27.5" x15.4" x 8.5".
The box is of its original unrestored condition with extensive patina and wear as shown. There are small losses on the corners, stable crack lines along most of the seams. It is structural sound and there are minimal losses of any inlays. It presents attractively as an authentic period piece. See less