Antique Korean Mother of Pearl Inlay Lacquer Tabletop Accessory Chest Joseon

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An antique Korean lacquered small chest of drawers with Mother-of-Pearl inlays circa 19th century (late Joseon Dynasty). The tabletop box … Read more An antique Korean lacquered small chest of drawers with Mother-of-Pearl inlays circa 19th century (late Joseon Dynasty). The tabletop box with multiple small drawers of various sizes was traditionally used to store hair and makeup accessories such as combs, small jewelries and ornaments, rouge and perfume bottles, mirrors, and other cosmetic tools. Known in Korean as Bitjeop, it was an intimate piece of furniture for women.
The box on offer is of a rectangular form and consists of five drawers, each fitted with lacquered bronze handles or pulls. The facade was lacquered in a pleasant deep brown on which MOP inlays depict a reoccurring theme, two human figures greet and visit each other under leafy trees. This is a popular subject often found in small lacquer boxes especially in scholar items. There are also boulders and grasses on the ground and one panel has a flying bird. The other sides of the box were lacquered black and sparsely decorated with three rosettes of floral petals. The texture of the underlying linen/burlap could be discerned.
Compare this box with one with slightly different designs in the collection of National Folk Museum of Korea, no 2380.
A similar box was sold in Christie's Auction 2725 Japanese and Korean Art, lot 834. (09/18/2013). See less