Large Korean Head Side Chest Morijang Joseon Dynasty

A finely crafted Korean Morijang chest dated to the late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty. "Morijang" was traditionally used to keep house valuables such as jewelries and other small items on the bed (thus the name head-side chest). Generally, this type of chest has a protruding top plank and a row of drawers above the central storage compartment with doors.
The Morijang on offer is rather large for the type and the size is closer to a Bandaji, indicating it probably belonged to a wealthy family. Constructed with pine on the sides, top and back. The elaborate front showcases paulownia frame inset with persimmon panel. It features a row of four small drawers on top and a large storage space below, accessed through a pair of doors in the center. The front also has faux compartments flanking the under the doors. The persimmon veneer was used extensively on all the front panels exhibiting its black expressive grains in a mirrored fashion. The eye-catching contrast and poetic patterns are akin to an abstract ink painting. Bordering all the panels, there are fine ribbons of dark wood inlay in archaic key pattern, highlighting the luxurious and the artistic nature of this wonderful piece. The white brass hardware on this piece was kept in a functional minimal, not to compete with the beauty of the wood. The type of wood used locates the piece to the southern provinces of the Korean Peninsula. The chests are supported by carved legs with stretchers. The interior is mostly unlined with paper (with small areas of paper residues). There is no lock.
Provenance: The Morijang was purchased from an antique store in Seoul around 1950-60s and it comes with an original certificate stating the age (about 80 years when it was purchased) and also the info on the wood types.
A similar lacquered chest was illustrated on page 37 the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai. It is in the collection of Weisman Art Museum object no. 1987.22.17