Bedside Chest

Beautifully crafted chests like this one demonstrate the skills of Korean furniture makers and give us a glimpse of the refined interiors of wealthy homes during the long Joseon period (1392–1897). In elite residences, men and women lived separately, and interior decoration reflected and defined these different worlds. In contrast to the austere simplicity of furniture considered appropriate for men, this highly decorated chest, with inlaid hardwoods, brass fittings, and floral motifs, was made for a woman’s bedroom. It contains six drawers of varying sizes in which she could store personal items.

Chosen for its complex grain pattern, the inlaid burl wood of the door panels is probably from a kind of elm known as Zelkova. The doors are attached with brass hinges in a swallowtail design reminiscent of the bird’s tail feathers. The hinges and other fittings are covered with floral motifs, such as the flowering plum trees on the central lock plate. Note the handles to either side of the plate; they are stylized bat motifs, a lucky symbol.