Rare Korean Pakch'on Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty

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An antique Korean wood Bandaji circa 19th century from the late Joseon Dynasty. Rarely available, this Bandaji was from Pakchon … Read more An antique Korean wood Bandaji circa 19th century from the late Joseon Dynasty. Rarely available, this Bandaji was from Pakchon area in Pyongan Do (in nowadays North Korea). Known as “Sung Sun I” style Bandaji, the chest is distinctive in the densely ironwork hardware with finely pierced lace-like design that covers a large portion of the frontal surface. “Sung Sun” is an onomatopoeic word in Korean that represents the sound the wind makes when blowing rapidly through a hole.
Constructed in Zelkova (Korean elm, top and front) and pine wood (sides and back), the chest has a nearly square form rested on two block feet. The elaborate ironwork hardware is distinct in their large and bold forms lacquered in black. Unique shapes include the wide hinges in the center, the "Namdaemun" (South Gate) plate and three large diamond shape plates underneath with a large semi-circle handle. There is no lock. The interior is unlined and rather clean.
Examining the piece, it is evident that it is in its original form and shows a wonderful patina incurred in its long life. It was probably taken from North to South Korean during the war and was sold on the antique market. Such story-telling piece presents with a strong sense of history and cultural importance.
Among the collection of the Korean furniture, the largest in the world, in Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota, there is a nearly identical Bandaji. It is illustrated on plate 31 on page 51 in the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai.
Another nearly identical Bandaji is illustrated on page 75 of "Korean Chests Treasures of the Yi Dynasty" by Wickman.
Another similar Pakchon Bandaji is held in the collection of Minneapolis Musuem of Art, Accession Number2000.269.3. See less