Rare Korean Pakch'on Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty

An antique Korean wood Bandaji circa 19th century from the late Joseon Dynasty. Rarely available, this Bandaji was from Pakchon area in Pyongan Do (in nowadays North Korea). Known as “Sung Sun I” style Bandaji, the chest was constructed with thick wood plank possibly linden, which lacks prominent grains and was lacquer-stained in a dark, nearly black color. The surface was distinctively decorated with large black ironwork hardware with lace-like design that covers almost the entire facade. The black hardware on near black wood created a solemn and majestic appeal. “Sung Sun” is an onomatopoeic word in Korean that represents the sound the wind makes when blowing rapidly through a hole.
With a nearly square form, the chest rested on two block feet. Unique shapes of the metal plates include the large diamond hinges and plates in the center, all finely pierced and the unusually large pulls on the front and sides. There is no lock. The interior is unlined.
Examining the piece, it is evident that it is in its original form showing a deep patina incurred in its long life. It was probably taken from North to South Korean during the war and was sold on the antique market. Such story-telling piece presents with a strong sense of history and cultural importance.
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. It is illustrated on plate 31 on page 51 in the book "Traditional Korean Furniture" by Edward Reynolds Wright and Man Sill Pai.
Another nearly identical Bandaji is illustrated on page 75 of "Korean Chests Treasures of the Yi Dynasty" by Wickman.
Another similar Pakchon Bandaji is held in the collection of Minneapolis Museum of Art, Accession Number2000.269.3.