Fine Antique Korean Bandaji Chest Gyeonggi Do 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. This well-proportioned Bandaji on offer was a classic example from Gyeonggi Do. Made from Zelkova wood veneered front panels (neutinamu in Korean) and pine on top, sides and back, the Bandaji is relatively small, but with a large drop front door opens nearly in the middle of the body. The zelkova wood showcase expressive swirling dark grains in mirrored pattern. The sides show exposed finger joints along the edge. The white brass hardware fitting is of the typical design from Gyeonggi Do, a wealthy province where the capital was located and many aristocrats and official dwelled. The use of gourd shape plate-hinges in the middle was characteristic to this region. In Korean folklores, the gourd was often used as a container for ambrosia and longevity remedies by the fairies. Note that the cutout of the bat motif on the gourd and the large fishtail-shape lock plate on the top center as well as all eight corner plates. The bat motif symbolizes fortunate and good luck. Two coin-motif cutouts were also made on the lock plate, symbol of wealth. On the lateral edges and along the bottom edge of the lower portion of the chest, rectangular brass plate with magic fungus head features cutout design of a Bagua diagram. Two handles were placed on the top suggesting faux drawers. Another matching one was placed in the center of the lower portion and two additional ones on the side of the chest for transportation.
The chest rests on two block feet and retains the fish-shape lock with a tasseled key that may be original. The interior of the chest is unlined, rather clean and exposes the natural pine wood grains.
Reference: Compared this Bandaji to 1932.10 in the collection of Denver Art Musuem. Item 022364 in the collection of National Folk Musuem of Korea.