A BRASS-MOUNTED ZELKOVA WOOD DESKTOP CABINET, JOSEON DYNASTY
Korea, 18th-19th century. Of rectangular form, with fine brass mounts on every corner and three to each edge, with chrysanthemum-form fittings suspending loose handles to the short sides. The two doors with elaborate mounts and lock plates with two floral fittings suspending small loose rings, opening to reveal three drawers with similar mounts with lock plates. The zelkova wood of an attractive, rich grain and with a fine, naturally grown patina overall.


Provenance:
From the private collection of a West Point graduate who lived in Korea between 1962 and 1974.

Condition:
Good condition with natural imperfections including expected age cracks and minor signs of insect activity, some old wear, light scratches, small nicks, and light tarnishing to the outer mounts.

Weight: 6,713 g
Dimensions: Width 40.7 cm, Height 27 cm, Depth 28 cm


In Korea, Zelkova wood
has been considered a symbol of protection for villages since ancient times and can still be found planted at central points in cities, towns, and villages around the country. The trees often stand next to small pavilions, serving both as shaded informal gathering points, and spaces for traditional rituals and ceremonies involving prayer and offerings to the tree. The oldest of these trees are estimated to be in excess of 1,000 years in age and are protected as natural monuments by Korean law.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 3 April 2008, lot 710
Price: USD 5,375 or approx.
EUR 7,200
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A Korean brass-mounted persimmon and softwood cabinet, 20th century
Expert remark: Compare the related brass mounts. Note the different form and the two different types of wood as well as the size (94 x 75 x 33 cm). Also note the later date.


Auction result comparison:

Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 March 2012, lot 1088
Price: USD 12,500 or approx.
EUR 15,500
converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A red and black-lacquered wood accessory case, Joseon dynasty, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related fittings, albeit with engravings. Note the different form and wood as well as the size (22 x 35 x 26.5 cm).




朝鮮王朝櫸木桌櫃

韓國，十八至十九世紀。呈矩形，每個角都有精美的黃銅包角，每個邊緣有三個。正面兩個菊花形活環。 兩扇門配有精緻的如意紋鎖板，帶有兩個花卉配件，懸掛著小活環。打開後可以看到三個帶有抽屜，分別飾有活環的銅鑲板。 櫸木紋理迷人，具有精美的自然包漿。


來源：
西點軍校畢業生私人收藏，1962 年至 1974 年間居住在韓國。

品相：
狀況良好，有自然瑕疵，年代裂縫和蟲咬輕微跡象、一些舊磨損、輕微劃痕、小刻痕和零件的輕微鏽蝕。

重量：6,713 克
尺寸：寬 40.7 厘米，高 27 厘米，深 28 厘米


拍賣結果比較:

形制：相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2008年4月3日，lot 710
價格：USD 5,375（相當於今日
EUR 7,200
）
描繪：二十世紀韓國黃銅柿子軟木櫃
專家評論：比較相近的黃銅鑲嵌。請注意不同的外形、兩件不同的木質，以及尺寸(94 x 75 x 33 厘米)。請注意年代較晚。


拍賣結果比較:

形制：相近
拍賣：紐約佳士得，2012年3月21日，lot 1088
價格：USD 12,500（相當於今日
EUR 15,500
）
描繪：十九世紀朝鮮紅黑漆木櫃
專家評論：比較相近的配件和版畫。請注意不同的外形，以及尺寸(22 x 35 x 26.5 厘米)。