CHANGSOK. “Changsok” refers to the metal decoration used on Korean furniture. These metal fixtures served both utilitarian and decorative purposes, being crafted from materials like cast iron, copper, tin, nickel, and white brass. The white brass alloy, which includes tin and sometimes nickel in addition to the conventional copper and zinc found in yellow brass, […]
Feature image: Jang – Two level chest. Zelkova wood, lacquer, brass fittings. H. 134cm, W. 103cm, D. 47cm. Early 19th century. Collection Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota. USA. The “Jang” was a type of furniture traditionally used for storing clothes in Korean households. However, due to cost considerations, most modest households opted for the “Bandaji“. […]
We feel it’s necessary to set the record straight regarding the Korean staircase. Indeed, numerous posts in our group, as well as the frequent presentation of this type of furniture with their erroneous descriptions in auctions or galleries, have led us to resolve this matter once and for all. Here are just a few examples […]
Small original boxes are likely the most challenging pieces to come across in the Korean furniture market due to their historical association with the elite. These boxes are relatively rare, and they were used in both men’s and women’s quarters for various purposes. Among these boxes, the wedding box was the most common and could […]
OLD PHOTOS, PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS OF KOREAN FURNITURE. The study of the origins of traditional Korean furniture is complex due to the lack of proper documentation. Prior to the 19th century, paintings provide some information about the lifestyle of Koreans during the Joseon Dynasty. From the middle of the 19th century, photographs taken by explorers […]
In this publication, we delve into the technique of wood finishing for Korean furniture during the Joseon Dynasty. To the best of our knowledge, there is a scarcity of studies in English on this subject, necessitating our reliance on publications in Korean. Our hypotheses are formulated based on a thorough examination of numerous pieces, the […]
“Soban” (Korean: 소반; Hanja: 小盤) are small tray-like tables, typically crafted from wood and commonly used in Korea for serving and dining. Soban tables were designed to be lightweight, making it convenient for women to carry them along with heavy bronze or thick porcelain bowls of food. The standard dimensions for soban tables are approximately […]
Featured photo: The portrait of Yi Chae depicts the renowned scholar of the late Joseon period, clad in a pointed dongpagwan hat and a scholar’s robe, or “simui” (a white hemp robe with black trim). In this half-body portrayal, Yi Chae gazes directly from the canvas while maintaining impeccable posture. It is part of the […]
Gyeongsang Do 경상도, also known as Kyongsang-do, was one of the eight provinces of Korea during the Joseon dynasty. This province is located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, with its provincial capital now known as Daegu. The region holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Silla (57 BCE – 935 CE). Gyeongsang-do […]
COLLECTION “ANTIKASIA” The acquisition of our first piece of Korean furniture dates back to the mid-80s when we lived in Seoul. From the outset, we were captivated by the beauty of the architecture and the extensive use of wood, a crucial material in Korean craftsmanship. Their furniture, often rustic and crafted from a variety of […]