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Antique Korean Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A striking Korean Bandaji with beautiful patina circa 19th century of late Joseon Dynasty. Bandaji is known as drop front half-opening chest that was used to store family valuables and beddings. The Bandaji on offer was made in Pyongyang area in now North Korea. Constructed in basswood, which is rather plain and lacks grains, the chest was instead sumptuously decorated with nickel-copper (Paktong) plates, stripes and studs. Covering nearly the entire front of the cabinet, the metal plates were placed with eye-pleasing symmetry in mind. The surface of the twelve vertical plates was etched with motifs of "Three Friends in Winter": Pine, Bamboo and Plum Blossom, the emblems of longevity and resilience. Deers, peonies, cranes and magpies all found their ways into the design of the other plates. On the center of four larger plates, there engraved Hanja character "Fu" meaning "Fortunate". The front door drops to reveal a row of three small drawers with pulls and a large storage space used for beddings and blankets traditionally. The chest has iron handle on the side and is supported by a base with conforming decorative metal plates and hoof feet carved with archaic key pattern connected with horizontal bars.
Examining the piece, it is evident that it is in its original form with all metal pieces intact except two bosses on the front missing. It was probably taken from North to South Korean before it travelled with the owner to America. It is an antique piece that visually shows deep patina with evidence of being used, and in our opinion, that is where the beauty truly lies. It presents with a strong sense of history. A piece that tells stories.
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 (shown in the last picture; item no.1987.22.47). The placement of all the metal plates and the detailed decoration on the plates are very much comparable. It is likely that they share a very similar if not the same origin and maker.
The same chest is also illustrated on plate 32 on page 52 in the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai.

More Information

Origin:	South Korea
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	wood and brass
Condition:	Good. Deep and attractive patina with old nicks and scratches all over the piece. The front and top shows old crack line and gouges. All metal plates are original. Missing two bosses. No loc
Creation Date:	19th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	669847

Dimensions

W.	35 in;	H.	39.8 in;	D.	17.6 in;
W.	88.9 cm;	H.	101.09 cm;	D.	44.7 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion

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