Antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do Island

Details

Description

An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Made from pine planks and stained in a … Read more An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Made from pine planks and stained in a dark reddish color, the drop front cabinet showcases iconic characteristics of Bandaji made on the island. The surface of the thick wood planks was somewhat roughly hewn, exposing grains and knots and constructed together with exposed finger joints. The facade of the chest is fitted with oversize black iron hardware with hammered texture. There are three large cloud-shape hinges in the center, a lock plate, flanked by two the pullers and underplate in the shape of bat and three large diamond-shaped studs. On the lower part, arrow-shaped joint hinges lie along the edges and a row of pomegranate shaped join plate along the bottom. All plates feature the cutout design of the Buddhist Swastika symbol. There are pull handles on either side for transportation. The iron lock and key appear original to the cabinet. The interior has a row of three drawers on top. It is relatively clean with some black paint on the back of the drop front door and remaining paper lining and exposed wood surface, typical for these pieces.
For a nearly identical Bandaji in the collection of Weisman Art Musuem in Minneapolis, see illustration 35 on page 54 of the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pal.
Another similar example can be found in the collection of Portland Art Musuem 81.97.4A-D. See less