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

Known as Ich'ung Nong in Korean, this large stackable chest features a two-level storage space with open doors on a gridded facade supported by a base (three pieces total). Constructed from pine and zelkova (Korean elm wood) in frame, the chest showcases a beautiful frontal exterior with book-matched persimmon panels, complimented with yellow brass decorative hardware in the shape of butterflies. As a classic example of the classic Ich'ung Nong made in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula circa late 19th century, it has a row of four small drawers with pulls on the very top which squares off without protrusion on the ends. 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 is nicely covered with Korean paper with calligraphy and retains clean and odor-free. This piece showcases age-appropriate patina, reflecting its history and the fact that it has been well cherished.
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 aesthetic 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 Nongs in the collection of Weisman Art Museum
Object number 1987.22.8a-c.