Rare Antique Korean Scholar Two-Level Book Chest Joseon Dynasty

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A rare antique Korean two-level book chest made from zelkova (Korean Elm) and secondary pine wood with hand-wrought iron hardware … Read more A rare antique Korean two-level book chest made from zelkova (Korean Elm) and secondary pine wood with hand-wrought iron hardware fittings circa early to mid-19th century (Joseon period). The chest was used as a storage cabinet in the men's study for books and manuscripts. It was known in Korean as a Ich'ung Ch'aek-Sang (two-level book chest).
Consisting of a slightly shorter upper and a taller lower level, the chest opens all the way on the upper level with a pair of bi-folder doors, revealing a row of three small drawers with brass pulls above a wide storage space. The lower level has a pair of doors that open partially in the center. The design is austere with clean lines, devoid of superfluous decoration. There is, however, an iron medallion on the top plank that appears to be purely ornamental without serving any function. The grid pattern on the facade emphasizes geometry and symmetry. The overall minimalistic style and mindful placement of the iron hardware play into this design intention as well. The zelkova wood shows expressive swirling grains warm with an oil finish while the interior drawers and backing were made from pine. The chest is supported on carved curvy legs with an apron, a style called Madae in Korean. In keep with the ideal of humbleness of the Confucius society, this chest exemplifies a wonderful piece of scholar furniture with its laconic aesthetic.
Compare to a book Bandaji with similar design Illustrated on plate 140 on page 106-107 of the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Wright and Pai. See less