Showrooms
Korean Mandarin Duck Wedding Cabinet with Burl Wood Panels
-
Description
Traditionally presented at the wedding ceremony of a wealthy household, this tri-level tall storage chest (Samcheung Jang) was intimately known as “mandarin duck” cabinet in Korean. The name refers to the special feature on the bottom level where a pair of storage units are located. Mandarin ducks, known as Yuanyang in Chinese and Wonang in Korean) are birds made for life. In East Asian Cultures, they symbolize a loving spouse in a life-long monogamous marriage, therefore often associated with wedding ceremony.
The vintage cabinet was dared to the first half of 20th century circa 1920-40s based on the details of the construction, patina and brass hardware. The frame was made from zelkova (Korean elm) and pine. An exotic burl wood (possibly from maple) was used for the inserted panels that cover most of the facade. The burl wood was considered a rather rare and expensive material in Korean furniture-making, making this piece a luxury item. The yellow brass hardware was elaborate and used relatively profusely. The four large lock plates and the hinges feature conforming scrolled longevity mushroom head design. Six smaller brass plaques in the two rows between the storage space were purely decorative and interestingly showcases butterflies, crabs and turtles, suggesting that the piece may be originated from a coastal region. The stacking design is classic and follows the prototype of wedding mandarin duck cabinet: three small drawers on top, two storage units in the mid-section, and then the pair of Mandarin Duck units on bottom. One unit on the left is fitted with stacks of smaller drawers for the storage of small pieces like jewelries. The cabinet was traditionally placed in woman's quarter in the household.
See an earlier Mandarin Duck cabinet, see 34.530 in the collection of Brooklyn Musuem.
For a similar cabinet with burl panels, see 002237 in the collection of National Folk Musuem of Korea, Seoul. - More Information
- Dimensions
Message from Seller:
Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.
More Listings from Tishu View all 979 listings
-
Two Rosewood Nesting Tables, Don Shoemaker
-
Antique Japanese Export Silk Embroidery Panel of American Union
-
Set of Four Armchairs by Russell Woodard
-
Illuminated Cityscape Corner Table by Paul Evan
-
Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman Don Shoemaker
-
Antique Amish Dimond Quilt with Provenance
-
Cityscape Coffee Table Paul Evans for Directional
-
Set of Four Art Deco Chairs Gilbert Rohde Heywood Wakefield
-
Korean Ceramic Storage Jar Joseon Dynasty
-
Tall Korean Ceramic Storage Jar Joseon Dynasty
-
Pair of Bronze Floor Lamps by Cedric Hartman
-
Antique Korean Bandaji Chest Gyeonggi Do Joseon Dynasty
-
Faceted Korean Ceramic Celadon Jar Joseon Dynasty
-
Contemporary Photography by Japanese Artist Yoshida Kimiko
