Korean Morijang Burr Maple Side Cabinet - Ca 1920

This unusually large Morijang is a decorative side cabinet. Morijang are usually the smallest of the three main staples of Korean antique furniture, originally placed beside the sleeping mat in the women's quarters. First appearing in the late 18th century, these headside chests were used to store lingerie, small accessories, and personal items.

This early 20th-century example, dating to around 1920, has likely been adapted from an ich'ung jang (two-part chest) and reduced in height, giving it a more compact form suited to modern interiors. Crafted from richly burr maple wood panels with a pine frame, with the typical lightweight construction traditional of Korean cabinetry. The original white brass butterfly hinges and corner mounts, are a traditional motif symbolising happiness and longevity.

Opening the central cupboard doors reveals interior panels lined with hanji€”traditional handmade Korean paper made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. The indigo-blue patterned design is characteristic of Korean furniture interiors, both decorative and functional, helping to protect stored items.

• Origin: Korea
• Material: Wood with white brass fittings
• Age: Circa 1920
• Finish: Warm-toned burr maple panels and pine wood frame. 
• Features: Three upper drawers, two lower drawers, central cupboard with butterfly hinges
• Interior: Original hanji lining in indigo blue pattern
• Hanji: Handmade Korean paper made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree, used on most traditional Korean furniture interiors
• Hardware: Original white brass butterfly hinges and corner mounts
• Historical use: Bedside cabinet for storing lingerie and small accessories
• Note: Adapted from an ich'ung jang (two-part chest) reduced in height
• Weight: Lightweight construction typical of Korean antique furniture