Antique Korean Lacquer Coffee Table with Elaborate Inlays

A Korean lacquered wood low table with exotic elaborate inlay work circa 19th century (Joseon Dynasty). The low table, supported by slightly curved legs, was traditionally placed on the floor or bed in as a luxury item in a noble wealthy household. Like Soban, the low profile was meant to be used sitting down on the floor or matt. It is suitable to be used as a coffee table for modern time. With its rectangular form, the prototype was likely from Chinese Kang table. Lacquered in black (with time the color always turned slightly brownish due to oxidation caused by light), the table showcases elaborate inlay work with exotic materials including crushed Mother-of-Pearl, golden tortoise shell, stingray Shagreen and twisted brass wires. The iconic motif in the center is "Dragon and Phoenix Chasing Fire Pearl", an auspicious symbol often used in wedding ceremony. The eyes of the dragon and phoenix were heighted with MOP shells. The horns and beards of the dragon were made of tortoise shell. The textured scale and feature were depicted with Shagreen. The mythological animals are surrounded with clouds formed by inlayed brass wire and islands of crushed MOP. On four corners anchored a square motif each with symbol of Bagua with four trigrams. Impressively, the fine inlay work continued onto the outer border. Buddhism symbols such as fans, pair of chimes, conch, and ribbons were depicted in great details. The aprons are also decorated with brass wire scrolls and various floral motifs in shagreen.
The design on this table is of classic motif found in Korea lacquer table with inlays made in 19th century. This ebullient composition appears busy but somehow also manages to be uncannily harmonious, united by the materials and colors.
The table shows a wonderful mellow patina. It was traditionally constructed as tiny losses shows the linen underlying.
Provenance: from a NYV collection, purchased from Gracie, NY. A label with catalog no of Gracie still remains under the table.
A similar table was auctioned at Christie’s, New York, USA, September 5, 2002, Lot 38.
For a related table, see illustration no. 257 on page 331 of "Oriental Lacquer Art" (New York/Tokyo, 1972) by Lee Yu-kuan.
A similar table with different inlay motifs is in the collection of Victoria and Albert Musuem, FE. 34-1991. Illustrated on page 168 of "Korean Art and Design" by Beth Mckillop.