A Korean Elm Iron Mounted Bandaji Storage Chest

Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), 18th or 19th century, elm wood, dovetail case with fall front hinge door, with original dark red paint to chest's surface, reticulated shaped decorative iron mounts to front, sides with iron bale handles, raised on two narrow blocks of wood.

35 x 37 x 17 1/2 in.

Known as “Sung Sun I” style Bandaji, the chest is distinctive in the densely ironwork hardware with finely pierced lace-like design that covers a large portion of the frontal surface. “Sung Sun” is an onomatopoeic word in Korean that represents the sound the wind makes when blowing rapidly through a hole. Most likely made in the area now considered North Korea.

Consistent wear with age and travel; shrinkage cracks and scratches to lid; general wear and loss to paint surface especially to edges; wear and tears to interior.