Korean Lacquer Wood Stacking Nong Cabinets with Striking Inlays - a Pair

Description

A fine pair of two-tier stacking cabinets, known as Nong in Korean, circa early 20th century (Korean Empire to Japanese … more A fine pair of two-tier stacking cabinets, known as Nong in Korean, circa early 20th century (Korean Empire to Japanese Colonial Period). The square cabinet each is fitted with a pair of single panel doors opens to ample storage. The lower cabinet is supported by scrolled feet, while the upper cabinet sits directly on top. The surface was lacquered in a dark brown color with sprinkled subtly with gold powders. Elaborate inlay work with mother of pearl (MOP), tortoise shell scales (or a material made to mimic golden tortoise shell, not tested) and coiled brass wires, beautifully depicts a facing pair of four-clawed dragons chasing a flaming pearl on the front of each cabinet, surrounded by scrolling clouds of brass wire inlay. Both sides and the tops were inlaid with similar motif of dragon slithering. The bottom cabinets are supported with scrolled feet and aprons decorated with further floral patterns. Brown brass lock plate in the shape of butterfly with chased design provide the security. Four original locks with Ying-yang symbol and two keys remain. The interiors were strikingly lined with red and blue paper, probably from a later time.
Visually arresting with its tour-de-force workmanship and dazzling materials it employed, these were luxurious pieces made for noble or royal household. A pair of identical Nongs are in the collection of National Musuem of Korea with Collection No. 증 9299. less