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 […]

IN SEARCH OF KOREAN TRADITIONAL FURNITURE.

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 […]

THE COIN CHEST – 돈궤

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 […]

KOREAN FURNITURE. Identification, Genuine or reproduction pieces

KOREAN FURNITURE AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET In response to various inquiries about Korean furniture in our Facebook group, it seems necessary for us to examine the different types of Korean furniture available on the market. When looking for genuine pieces, one has to be very careful because, unlike some other forms of art, furniture is […]

THE BEAUTY OF PAULOWNIA WOOD

Paulownia tree is called “Odong namu” in Korean 오동나무. Paulownia coreana, grows primarily in East Asia, with the southern region of Gyeonggi Province in Korea, including Seoul, being a notable area for its growth. Throughout history, it has been highly regarded for its exceptional wood quality and has been a preferred material for crafting furniture. […]

KOREAN FURNITURE AUCTIONS

To track the evolution of the Korean antique furniture market, we showcase pieces that have been auctioned since 2021. 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: […]

FURNITURE FROM THE NORTHERN PROVINCES

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 […]

KOREAN RICE CHEST, HEART OF THE HOME (뒤주)

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. […]

KOREAN FURNITURE CLASSIFICATION

Korean furniture showcases high standards of craftsmanship and a deep respect for the materials used. For the people of the “Morning Calm” country, wood was not intended to be molded or carved into elaborate designs or concealed beneath thick layers of paint that would obscure its inherent beauty. Instead, it was carefully cut to accentuate […]

KOREAN WEDDING BOX (함)

Korean wedding boxes, known as “Ham” or “Hon-su ham“, are typically characterized by their low and wide dimensions. The average measurements for these boxes are approximately 30cm in height, 60cm in width, and 30cm in depth. The top part of these boxes features a hinged lid at the back, which can be lifted open. The […]