Antique Korean Two-Level Storage Chest Ich’ung Jang with Persimmon Panels

Known as Ich'ung Jang in Korean, this large chest features a double-level storage space chests with frontal open doors on a gridded facade. Constructed from pine and zelkova (Korean elm wood) in frame, the chest showcases a beautiful facade with book-matched persimmon wood panels, complimented with yellow brass decorative hardware in the shape of butterflies. An example of the classic Ich'ung Jang made in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula; the upper chest features a row of four small drawers on top of the upper storage unit while the lower chest has panels in the same grid. The top plank protrudes slightly out to the side. The compartmented facade highlights persimmon panels with mirror-matched wood grains. The abstract pattern on this piece was carefully construed. They are bold and eye-catching, not unlike strokes in calligraphy or veins in the dream stones (Dali Mable), both of which were associated with scholars' aesthetics. The yellow brass hardware, both the hinges and lock plates, took the shape of butterflies. They are rather laconic in amount and size with an intention not to visually compete with the wood grains. They have gained a wonderful mellow patina over the years. The interior retains the residues of the paper lining on some part. This piece showcases age-appropriate patina, reflecting its history and the fact that it has been well cherished. It is dated to the mid to late 19th century.
The use of book-matched persimmon veneer is a rather unique phenomenon is Korean furniture-making. The artists took the advantage of the dramatic ink-black grains that occur naturally in the wood and used it to the full advantage of the desired aethetic appeal. The abstract pattern on this piece was carefully construed. They are bold and eye-catching, not unlike strokes in calligraphy or veins in the dream stones (Dali Mable), both of which were associated with scholars.
See two similar Ich'ung Jangs in the collection of Weisman Art Museum
Object number1987.22.8a-c Object number1987.22.16a-c.
Another near identical cabinet is Item 012190 in the collection of National Folk Musuem of Korea, Seoul.