Korean Lacquer Samch'ung Jang Cabinet on Stand - Ca 1920

This antique Korean cabinet is a classic example of a Korean Jang cabinet. This style of cabinet is known in Korea as a Samch'ung Jang (a three-level wardrobe). This Samch'ung Jang is quite unusual as it is lacquered and carved on the front, using high quality yellow brass found only on earlier pieces. This cabinet dates to the beginning of the 20th century and would have belonged to a wealthy household. Circa 1920. 

These cabinets were used as wardrobes to pile folded clothes. In the winter months, winter clothing would be at the top and in summer, summer clothing would fill the top compartment with winter clothing at the bottom compartment. The central compartment was usually filled with temperate clothing.

The front of this cabinet is a dark lacquered veneer rosewood (on a pine frame) which is incredibly unusual to see on a Korean jang cabinet. Again, this points to a wealthy original owner. The sides of the cabinet are paulownia wood (odong namu 오동나무) which has been prepared using a traditional nakdong technique (similar to Japanese shou-sugi). The soft fibers of the wood are removed using rice straw and then the wood is burned helping it be more resistant to fire, insects, and fungus. The interior and other panels are also paulownia. 

The four internal drawers inside each compartment are also deeply unusual for a samch'ung jang. This style of drawer is usually found in bandaji (Korean front opening chests). 

Samch'ung jang cabinets often feature auspicious motifs. This jang features brass bat handles, double happiness symbols and butterflies etched into the lacquer. and this o. The brass hinges and lockplates are shaped like butterflies. 

Its compact stature makes it perfect for smaller rooms or a study.

Dimensions:

107 x 52 x 159 (wxdxh cms)

From Korea

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