A wardrobe chest (Kwanbok-Jang or Uigori-Jang) has much larger doors than any other type of Jang. This type of wardrobe illustrates the end of the “Hermit Kingdom,” as Korea was known for its isolation. Towards the end of the 19th century and the emergence of economic industrialization, Korea opened its borders, and some Western influence […]
Browsing the internet is a great way to explore various pieces of Korean antique furniture. On display are items sourced from different galleries, auction houses, museums, and private collectors. INTERESTING LINKS: THE SOUL OF 한국 PYONGYANG BANDAJI Elaborately decorated with ornate brass mounts in various geometric forms, some of which have incised landscapes and other […]
Among Korean furniture, the coin chest called “Ton-Kwe” in Korean is quite easy to recognize. With an average size of H. 45cm, L. 100 – 120cm, D. 35 – 45cm, it consist of a low box made of heavy thick bold wooden panels. This sturdy piece of furniture was usually made of elm or pine […]
Most household items were kept in the women’s quarters, stored within large cabinets and chests. These pieces of furniture were usually the most substantial and expensive in the home, presented to the couple upon their wedding. The tall piece featured here is referred to as a “mandarin duck” cabinet due to its paired openings at […]
The Chinese character for bat is pronounced the same as the character for good fortune (in Korean, “복” or “폭탄”). This similarity led to bat images being embroidered on pillow ends and incorporated into furniture designs and fittings as a symbol of good fortune. As bats were believed to live for a long time, their […]
To track the evolution of the Korean antique furniture market, we showcase pieces that have been auctioned since 2019. We scour auctions and galleries worldwide, assisting us in our research of historical prices for Korean furniture available in the market. The information accompanying the photos has been provided by the auction houses or galleries. LINKS: […]
At present from a historical point of view, we should call this furniture as furniture of the Northern provinces of Korea because at the time of the “Joseon dynasty”, the country was unified. Korea was separated in two as a result of the war in the middle of the 20th century (1953). Until the late […]
There is not the slightest trace of decoration on the rice chest. Its occasional iron or brass fitting is not meant to make it more attractive, these fittings enhance the chests qualities of gravity and durability. The structure of the rice chest, constructed from solid piece of pine tree, is depicted in bold, straight lines. […]
Compared to collections in other countries, including those in the United States and Great Britain, collections of Korean furniture in France are very limited. Few pieces are on display in museums, among which is the Musée Guimet, which holds only a small number of items. LE MUSEE GUIMET The largest collection of traditional Korean art […]
This post is the first in a series of articles related to a study of the Korean people through their arts, particularly their furniture. Most of the antique Korean furniture available today is known as “Joseon” furniture. The Joseon dynasty, also transcribed as Chosŏn or Chosun, in Korean: 대조선국, was the last dynastic kingdom of […]