Korean Headside Storage Cabinet Morijang Joseon Dynasty

Description

A small Korean wood cabinet dated to the late Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The cabinet was known as "Morijang" … more A small Korean wood cabinet dated to the late Joseon Dynasty circa 19th century. The cabinet was known as "Morijang" in Korean and was traditionally used to keep valuables such as jewelries and other small items on the bed (thus the name head side chest).
The cabinet on offer here was made of Zelkova wood (a type of elm known as neurinamu in Korean) with very expressive grains all over and accessorized with yellow brass hardware. There is a row of two small drawers on top of a storage compartment with a drop-down door. The brass hardware on this cabinet is of fine quality. Shape of swallowtails were used for hinges. Small floral roundels and elongated brackets were used on the sides and corners. The yellow brass contrasts nicely with the dark grains. There is a fish-form lock with a tasseled key. On the inside of the drop-down door a paper label remains showing the antique store it was purchased in Seoul.
A small luxury piece of furniture for an affluent household, the cabinet is dated to mid-late 19th century and was made in central to southern Korea Peninsula where Zelkova trees were grown. The patina on the wood and brass is very attractive. The cabinet has clearly been cherished and well care for generations. less