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 […]
Galuchat and shagreen are terms for a highly durable, textured leather made from the hides of sharks or stingrays. Shagreen has been prized since the time of the pharaohs in Egypt and during the Chinese Han Dynasty (202 BC – AD 220). In China, it was used in the construction of bows. In Japan, shagreen has been well-documented […]
This brief history of traditional Korean furniture aims to address common questions about its origins and the limited availability of antique pieces in the market. Feature photo at the top of this post: A painting by Shin Yun-bok, who was born around 1758 and passed away after 1813. He was a Korean painter known by […]
Featured image at the top of this post: Gyeonggi Do Bandaji from the National Museum of Korea. Gyeonggi Do province or Kyonggi Do, where the capital city of Seoul is located, lies in the northern western part of the peninsula. The north, south and eastern part of the province are covered by mountains. Bandaji chests, […]
EWHA WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY. SEOUL. Korean Furniture Collection. More than 500 pieces are featured in the collection of the Ewha Woman’s University Museum in Seoul, Korea. Woman’s University Museum in Seoul, Korea. The museum was open on April 6, 1935, as part of the university’s efforts to preserve Korea’s rich cultural heritage. HO-AM ART MUSEUM. SEOUL. […]
Featured photo top of the post: Courtly meeting in the western garden, Songam (active during 18th century), eight-fold screen, ink and light colors on paper, 133, 4 x 518 cm, signature: “painted by Songam, written by Chosa”, Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), dated 1794. MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART – COLOGNE. As with Chinese art, Fischer’s access […]
THE BRITISH MUSEUM. The Department of Asia covers the material and visual cultures of Asia. Our extensive Korean collection highlights a number of ornamental works of celadon as well as Goryeo lacquer and metalwork. VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM