Fine Antique Korean Bandaji Chest Gyeonggi Do Joseon Dynasty

A substantial and fine Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty from Gyeonggi Do. Bandaji is known as drop front half opening chest and was an essential piece of furniture unique in Korean that was traditionally used to store household valuables and beddings. The Bandaji on offer is one of the finest examples from our collection judged from the wood type, construction, size to the quality of brass decoration. Relatively large and constructed entirely in solid Zelkova (neutinamu in Korean), a hardwood priced for its expressive dark grains, including the interior drawers, therefore the piece is substantially heavy. The prominent wood grains can be appreciated on the surface in and out. The drop front door opened to reveal a large storage space and a row of three drawers above for small valuables. The brass and copper hardware were lavishly used on the front. The design centered on the shape of gourd; an auspicious symbol associated with the vessel that contains the ambrosia for immortality. Five large, shaped yellow brass hinges along the center form the focal point. Pair of subtle inlays using contrasting white brass and copper in form of Ying-Yang Bagua circle decorate each hinge. The national symbol of Korean was derived from ancient Chinese Taoism as a harmonious union of opposite universal forces. This is a wonderful luxurious touch as it is not common to see such inlay works in Bandaji. Another pair of Bagua were placed on the large lock plate while round copper bosses were used around the perimeter of the front. Together, they created a very cohesive and visually pleasing design. Additional brass pulls and plates were rendered in the shape of crane, peony, fish and fish tails, all of which were beloved symbols and common motifs in Korean art.
Likely made in Gaeseong, located in the northern part of Gyeonggi province where the nowadays capital city Seoul is located (central to southern part of the Korean Peninsula), the chest was obviously a luxury piece of furniture that belonged to a wealthy household. It was very well cared for albert with warm patina. The interior is clean and odor-free.