Fine Antique Korean Wedding Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty

A Korean Bandaji Chest circa late 19th century toward the end of Joseon Dynasty. Bandaji is known as drop front half opening chest and was traditionally used to store household valuables and beddings. On special occasion such as wedding ceremony, more luxurious and elaborate Bandaji with auspicious symbols would be presented as part of the gift on display. The Bandaji on offer is a wonderful example. This chest displays a harmonious proportion with a square dimension of width and height, with handles on both sides for transportation. It was constructed primarily in Zelkova (neutinamu in Korean), a hardwood priced for its expressive dark grains that, on this piece, appears especially subtle and elegant due to its dark lacquering. Flanking the center compartment, two vertical drawers on each side were reserved for storing small valuables. On the upper part of the front panel, there are two inlaid Ying-Yang Bagua circles, symbolizing the fusion of male and female elements (this is a wonderful and luxurious touch as it is not common to see such inlay works in Bandaji). The profuse use of symbolism via the brass hardware is wonderful celebratory display of joy and prosperity. The majority hinges were cast in the shape of butterfly, which symbolizes prosperity and contentment. Two large brass medallions on the lower front were engraved with the Hanja character "Xi", double happiness, a word reserved for wedding ceremony. The brass hinges on the corners of the center panel were cast in the bat motif, which symbolizes "Fu", fortune or luck. The brass coverlets on the outer corners were engraved and chased with coin design, tokens for material wealth.
Made in the central to southern part of the Korean Peninsula, the chest is a tour-de-farce of wedding celebration, and it combines both elegancy with extravagancy. It was very well cared for, clearly as an heirloom passing down the generations. The interior is covered with rice paper (later period) but in relatively clean condition.