Antique Korean Elm Brass Bound Bandaji Nong Tansu Scholars Chest Wedding Cabinet

Description

Fine & Early 19th Century Korean Tansu Nong Bandaji tallboy wedding chests or cabinet made of elmwood featuring ornate brass floral, butterfly, bird and sauwastika accents. The swastika symbol, 卐 (right-facing or clockwise) or 卍 (left-facing, counterclockwise, or sauwastika), is an ancient religious icon in the cultures of Eurasia. It is used as a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Acquired from Moby Dicks Maritime Antiques in the 1970s.

Antique Korean Bandaji chest or trunk featuring Zelkova elm frame with brass accents. The Korean name bandaji (literally meaning "half closing") derives from the hinged door in the front of this chest. This type of chest was one of the most essential, and most commonly found, pieces of furniture in a Korean household. Clothes, documents and valuables would be stored inside while folded blankets would be placed on top during the day (which explains why it is called a "blanket chest" in English). This chest, with its richly decorated fittings and extensive metalwork, was produced in the northern provinces of the Korean peninsula, mid nineteenth century; Kyong'gi Province, Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897).

Condition

"Good antique condition, wear and distressing commensurate with age and use, tarnish to brass

Dimensions

44" x 21.25" x 65.5"