Antique Korean Wedding Bandaji Chest Joseon Dynasty

A Korean Bandaji chest circa late 19th century of Joseon Dynasty. Known as drop front half opening chest, Bandaji was traditionally used to store household valuables and beddings. On special occasions such as wedding ceremony, more luxurious and elaborate Bandaji with auspicious symbols would be presented as part of the gift from the groom to the bride's family. The Bandaji on offer was made for such an occasion. Constructed with rather thick planks of pine that shows grains, knots and hand-hewn edges without further polishing, this chest displays a more robust and rustic appeal compared to some other wedding Bandaji, indicating a humble origin (perhaps a village piece?). On the front of the chest, a large brass fishtail shape lock plate takes the top center position, flanked by a pair of pull handles and six large brass spheres, three on each side forming an arc. The hinges for the drop front and the corner brackets all have rice grain cutout designs, symbols for plenty of offsprings. On the lower portion of the chest, three brass medallions were positioned in a row. The two on the sides has engraved Hanja character "Xi" (double happiness), a specific word associated with wedding ceremony. The center disc has engraving of a Hanja character Sou (longevity). The brass lock in the shape of a carp remains, likely original based on the patina and it is in working order (missing the original pusher on one side but remain operable). The interior is clean and retains residues of the rice paper that used to line the chest.
A relatively humble but honest piece in original charming condition, full of wabi-sabi spirit.
The chest is in its original condition and shows a lot of patina and characters.
A Bandaji made in Zelkova but with similar decorations, was in the collection of Victoria and Albert \Musuem in London and illustrated plate 67 on page 151 in "Korean Art and Design" by Beth Mckillop. (Accession no 863 dash 1905).