{"product_id":"pyongyang-bandaji-korean-chest","title":"North Korean Pyongyang Bandaji - 19thC - Late Joseon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking \u003cstrong\u003ePyongyang Bandaji (반닫이)\u003c\/strong\u003e chest from North Korea, dating to the late 19th century in the final decades of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJoseon Dynasty (1392–1897)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, represents Korean cabinetry at its most sculptural and expressive. \u003cstrong\u003eBandaji \u003c\/strong\u003e— the classic “half-opening” chest form — served as essential household storage for bedding, clothing, valuables, and ceremonial textiles, and their imposing metalwork made them powerful symbols of status within the Korean home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePyongyang had long been a centre of cultural and economic influence since the \u003cem\u003eGoryeo Dynasty (918–1392)\u003c\/em\u003e, and chests of this type travelled widely during the upheavals of the mid-20th century. This example is crafted with \u003cstrong\u003epine wood sides, back, and top\u003c\/strong\u003e, and a \u003cstrong\u003elinden wood front panel\u003c\/strong\u003e, a construction style typical of North Korean bandaji. Its surface is richly clad with engraved \u003cstrong\u003ewhite-brass mounts\u003c\/strong\u003e, a high-nickel alloy prized for its pale, silver-toned finish. The decoration includes long vertical plates, square bosses, auspicious corner fittings, and engraved panels featuring stylised chrysanthemum and pine-flower motifs — symbols of longevity, resilience, and noble refinement in Korean decorative art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, the chest retains its \u003cem\u003ehanji\u003c\/em\u003e (Korean mulberry paper) lining in beautifully worn original condition, along with a set of three internal drawers beneath the upper rail. The lockplate — complete with its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal working lock and key\u003c\/strong\u003e (shown in the photos) — displays further protective and prosperity-related imagery, while the whole chest rests on an elegant raised open stand with traditional Joseon-period cut feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pyongyang city, North Korea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19th century (Late Joseon Dynasty)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pine (sides, back, top); linden wood (front panel); engraved white-brass (high-nickel alloy) hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elaborate white-brass mounts; chrysanthemum and pine-flower engravings; vertical engraved plates; symbolic lockplate; original working lock and key; internal hanji lining; three internal drawers; traditional half-opening design; raised open stand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Age-related marks and wear consistent with use; original high-nickel white-brasswork beautifully patinated. Restored in our Wiltshire workshops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e W92 × D45 × H103 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly decorative Pyongyang Bandaji with excellent high-nickel white brass, sensitively restored.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551347990837,"sku":"M1025","price":873.68,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/Nineteenth_Century_Korean_Bandaji_Chest_With_Engraved_Brass_Mounts_Late_Joseon_Dynasty_M1025.jpg?v=1789233345","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/pyongyang-bandaji-korean-chest","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}