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, a beautiful rich patina to wood surface, decorative shaped iron mounts to front and edges, sides with iron bale handles, raised on two narrow blocks of wood.

24 1/2 x 39 5/8 x 18 1/2 in.

From the Estate of the late Businessman and Conservationist, Russell M. Leiman, Durham, North Carolina Russell Leiman built a significant portion of his career in Asian financial and corporate markets. Based in the major business centers of Hong Kong and Tokyo in the 1970s and 1980s, he advised and managed operations for global firms entering Asian markets, navigating the region’s diverse regulatory environments and rapidly growing economies. His expertise centered on structuring investments, developing multinational business strategies, and aligning Western corporate objectives with the business culture and market realities of East and Southeast Asia. At 50 years old, he moved his focus from finance to philanthropy, becoming deeply involved with The Nature Conservancy in Asia, where he helped apply private-sector financial models to support conservation initiatives across the region.

Purchased in Japan in 1978.

Wear appropriate for age and travel; fall front panel with patches at hinge area; shrinkage cracks and some scratching to surface; shrinkage crack and some spots of discoloration to back panels.