Casket for memorial tablets. Joseon period, 17th century. 61,5cm × 40,4cm.
THE TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM.
Sutra Box Chrysanthemum design in mother of pearl inlay. Lacquered wood. Goryeo dynasty, 13th century.
This small table was used to serve a single diner. The rectangular paneling under the tabletop is a distinct design feature, named after the Korean region Tongyeong. Joseon dynasty, 19th–20th century
Box for Clothing with the Sun, Moon, a Pine Tree, and Bamboo. The lid of this large clothing box shows the sun and moon in the upper corners. Bamboo is depicted on either side of a central pine tree with birds in it. Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl. Joseon dynasty, 18th–19th century
Box with Birds and Animals. A unique Korean decorative art technique, called “hwagak”, involves painting the underside of thin, transparent sheets ox horn. Joseon dynasty, 18th–19th century.
Top view
Side view.
Photo left & right. Soban. This piece was used as a low dining table or portable tray for a single diner. This type of furniture was made throughout Korea, but designs varied by region. Lacquered wood with openwork. Joseon dynasty, second half of the 19th century.
Box with Peony Vines. This box has a thick frame and features peony vines and circular disks made with large sections of mother-of-pearl inlay. Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl. Joseon dynasty, 17th century
Garment Box, Grapes in mother-of-pearl inlay.
Photo left & right. Box with Sun, Moon, Plum Tree, and Bamboo. The sun, moon, plum tree, and bamboo are finely depicted in mother-of-pearl inlay. This box was likely used by a high-ranking noblewoman. Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl. Joseon dynasty, 18th century
Box. Wood and painted ox-horn sheets. Joseon dynasty, 19th century
Korean dining table. This small table was used to serve a single diner. Its s-shaped legs are referred to as “tiger legs”. Lacquered wood. Joseon dynasty, 19th century.
Box with Peonies and Butterflies. The elite of the Joseon dynasty enjoyed studying calligraphy and poetry in a peaceful environment with tasteful accessories, like this box. Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl. Joseon dynasty, 17th–18th century.
Photos left & right. Bookshelf. This bookshelf was placed in a traditional gentlemen’s room (sarangbang). Furniture embodying a reserved elegance was preferred for such rooms. Lacquered wood. Joseon dynasty, 19th century
