Showrooms

Korean Antique Wood Stacking Nong Cabinets

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A two-tier stacking storage cabinet on comforting stand, known as Nong in Korean, circa early 20th century (end of Joseon to Korean Empire Period). Each cabinet is fitted with a pair of paneled doors opening in the center to ample storage. The upper cabinet also has a row of four small drawers on top. The stacking cabinet directly sit directly on top of the support stand. Constructed in pine frame with exposed finger joints, they were simply finished in black lacquer on top and the sides. The facade of the cabinets, however, showcases meticulously chosen persimmon wood panels. The striking wood veneer with the bold black grains were perfectly matched in mirrored fashion. Visually arresting, the dark wood grains appear like bold strokes on an abstract ink painting. The yellow brass hardware is of relatively smaller sizes with subdued motifs in order not to overtake the beauty of the wood. They consist of drawer pulls, corner brackets, petal-form hinges and larger lock plates with cutout coin design. The interior was stripped clean showing the natural wood and some residues of old lining rice paper.
We can trace the Nong cabinet on offer here to the southern providences of the Korean Peninsula where Persimmon trees grow and were harvested, such as Jeolla Do or Chungcheong Do The wood was beloved by Korean furniture makers in Yi dynasty and used on eye-catching pieces to emphasize the natural beauty of the wood. Examining the piece, one can see extensive and deep patina incurred from its age and previous use, yet the cabinet remains aesthetically stunning as an antique piece with an unexpected modern flare.
For a similar two-tier chest with near identical configuration, size and wood used, see relic no 007182 in the collection of National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul. The piece is also illustrated on the cover as well as page 46 of the book "Korean Antique Furniture & Accessories" by Matthieu Deprez.

More Information

Origin:	South Korea
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	wood and brass
Condition:	Fair. Well preserved with extensive patina throughout. Veneer crackle lines on the Persimmon panels, small scattered losses, along the seams and under one drawer. A lost wood knot hole on the side. Paper residues inside. Shrink lines on the backing plank.
Creation Date:	1890-1910s
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	699049

Dimensions

W.	32.5 in;	H.	46.25 in;	D.	14.75 in;
W.	82.55 cm;	H.	117.48 cm;	D.	37.47 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion