Korean Bandaji (Blanket chest)SOLD

This is a particulary fine example of the  decorated Chosun Dynasty Korean bandaji, made from Zelkova wood ( similar to Elm) with brass decoration.

Pieces like these were only for the rich to store their valuables, documents and clothes in, during the day the bedding would be stored on top.

Thes are really very rare in Europe, there is a lot more Chinese and Japanese furniture which is very similar in style.

The main carcase of the chest appears to be older than the decoration which is thought top be early 19th century, there is also evidence under one of the brass plates of an earlier locking system, the drawers inside three of which appear to have a very good pattina sugesting they stem from the 18th century.

there is a bottm plank that lifts to reveal a storage compartment underneath, the locking strap from the top and lock is unfortunately missing, I'm working at finding one for it.

size : 44cm x 100cm x 100cm high.