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Rice storage chest
Nineteenth century, North Kyongsang or Kyonggi Province.
Zelkova wood, pinewood iron fittings, oil finish.
This exhibit presents Korean furniture and functional objects from the Weisman's outstanding Edward Reynolds Wright, Jr. Collection. Korean traditional culture did not use chairs and high tables, so traditional furniture is mainly wooden boxes of all sizes-boxes for the storage of clothing, bedding, money, food, herbs and medicines, jewelry, cosmetics, sewing, writing implements, and books; and for the presentation of wedding presents. The exhibit will focus on the woods and techniques of joinery in Korean furniture. Furniture from the north of Korea, where the variety of wood was more limited than in the south, uses decorative metal fittings for hinges, locks, and fasteners. Fanciful bats and butterflies, symbols of good luck and happiness, can be seen in the metal hinges and other fittings of many Korean boxes, particularly those made for use by women.
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