Antique Korean Bandaji with Expressive Grains from Jeju Do Island

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An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Constructed from pine planks and zelkova (Korean Elm), … Read more An antique Korean Bandaji from Jeju Do (Jeju Island) circa 19th century. Constructed from pine planks and zelkova (Korean Elm), the drop front cabinet showcases iconic characteristics of Bandaji made on the island. The surface of the thick pine planks, used for the top, sides and back was somewhat roughly hewn, exposing grains and knots and constructed together with exposed finger joints. The facade of the chest was constructed in Zelkova with expressive grains with the dark vein forming waves, swirls and rosettes. The effect is like an abstract ink painting. The chest is fitted with oversize black iron hardware with hammered texture. Three large cloud-shape hinges were placed in the center, a lock plate, flanked by two the pullers and underplate in the shape of bat and two 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 remain with the chest. The interior has a row of three drawers with pulls on top. The paper lining was removed from the interior thus it is relatively clean, exposing the natural surface of the wood.
This is a period piece with lots of patina and character. Using Zelkova in the front only highlighting the dramatic frame elevated the piece visually. The age has left marks on the piece as witness of time's passing.
For a nearly identical Bandaji in the collection of Weisman Art Museum 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 Museum 81.97.4A-D. See less