19th Century Korean Table with superb Inlay Joseon Dynasty

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Description

A Korean black lacquered wood low table with fine inlay works circa Joseon dynasty (19th century), Musuem quality. The low … Read more A Korean black lacquered wood low table with fine inlay works circa Joseon dynasty (19th century), Musuem quality. The low table was traditionally placed on the floor or bed and meant to be used with only floor seating. The table, with its rectangular form supported by slightly curved legs, close to the Chinese prototype known as Kang table, was likely made exclusively for the luxury domestic market, indicated by the specific motif (see below)
On the top surface, there are strikingly elaborate inlay works finely created with crushed Mother-of-Pearl and golden tortoise shell. The extremely detailed work showcases the motif of "The Fight between Dragon and Tiger". The mythological serpent slithers among the clouds while and king of all beast crouches in a bamboo groove, ready to prance. Tiger is one of the most beloved animals in Korea and commonly seen in Korean art such as painting (but much less seen in the furniture inlay design). This suggests that the table was intended for domestic use, likely an aristocratic household who could afford such a luxury item. The inlays work is superb, the best we have seen so far on a table like this. The imagery is set within a surrounding border decorated with fine flowering vines. Similar vines also adorn the aprons and the legs of the table.
This table cannot be shipped out of United States.
For a closely related table, see illustration no. 257 on page 331 of "Oriental Lacquer Art" (New York/Tokyo, 1972) by Lee Yu-kuan.
A similar table with different inlay motifs is in the collection of Victoria and Albert Musuem, FE. 34-1991. Illustrated on page 168 of "Korean Art and Design" by Beth Mckillop. See less