Gyeongsang Do 경상도, also known as Kyongsang-do, was one of the eight provinces of Korea during the Joseon dynasty. This province is located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, with its provincial capital now known as Daegu. The region holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Silla (57 BCE – 935 CE). Gyeongsang-do […]
소목 (Somok), traditional joinery. During the Joseon Period, a wide range of joining techniques was employed. While Korea’s climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, facilitated the availability of exquisite woods, it also led to significant wood movement, resulting in warping and cracking of wood panels. A piece of furniture typically comprised three main components: the top, body, […]
COLLECTION “ANTIKASIA” The acquisition of our first piece of Korean furniture dates back to the mid-80s when we lived in Seoul. From the outset, we were captivated by the beauty of the architecture and the extensive use of wood, a crucial material in Korean craftsmanship. Their furniture, often rustic and crafted from a variety of […]
FEATURED IMAGE: Wedding Palanquin. Collection National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul. A palanquin is a covered litter, typically designed for a single passenger, and it is carried by an even number of bearers, usually two. The term is derived from the Sanskrit word “palyanka“, which means bed or couch. Palanquins come in various sizes and […]
THE JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM THE TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM. Photos above: This shell-inlayed (raden) box is for storing sutra scrolls and was formerly owned by the Mōri Family. The hinge, lock and rings on the sides are thought to be later additions made in Japan. The letter 黄二 (yellow-two) on the one side indicates that […]
Lacquer, known as “ottchil” (옻칠) in Korean, is a natural paint that has been utilized in Asia since ancient times. Its properties, such as water and insect repellency, enhance the durability of objects while imbuing them with a beautiful luster. The application of lacquer is a time and labor-intensive process. Initially, it takes several months […]
These two emblems were borrowed from Chinese mythology and are occasionally found in Korean art. Korean furniture is often adorned with auspicious motifs, frequently found on hinges or inlays made from materials such as mother of pearl, tortoiseshell, or shagreen. This design is less commonly carved into wood, as is the case with Chinese furniture. […]
About twenty years ago, a close friend gave me a book that he had found at the Bouquinistes of Paris (booksellers of Paris) along the banks of the River Seine. “Vive la chine”, memoires d’un antiquaire by Jacques Helft was published in 1955. This book has been translated to English as Treasure hunt, Memoirs of […]
Fish-shaped locks were among the most commonly found items in Korean homes. Just like the turtle, the fish symbolized protection, with their vigilant eyes always open. These fish-shaped locks would safeguard possessions while household members slept. Crafted from metal molds, these whimsically designed yellow brass locks were used to secure wardrobe armoires, wedding trousseau boxes, […]
DREAM OF BUTTERFLY. Kim Hyunhee “Dream of the Butterfly” is a piece of furniture that reinterprets the butterfly pattern known as “Phalaenopsis” and incorporates it as a distinctive style element. The butterfly pattern was primarily employed as a decorative motif in furniture to symbolize the auspicious themes of “joy and happiness,” or to represent the […]