THE WARDROBE – UIGORI JANG 의걸이장

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 […]

THE “MANDARIN DUCK” CABINET

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 […]

NONG – 이층농

In the beginning, Korean furniture tended to be small, light, and plain, with minimal decoration such as carvings or paint. In a traditional Korean house, rooms were small, and ceilings were low. Korean people sat on the floor to take advantage of the floor heating system called “ondol“. In the “Hanok” (Korean traditional house) during […]