Korean Mandarin Duck Wedding Cabinet With Burl Wood Panels

Traditionally presented at the wedding ceremony of a wealthy household, this tri-level tall storage chest (Samcheung Jang) was intimately known as “mandarin duck” cabinet in Korean. The name refers to the special feature on the bottom level where a pair of storage units are located. Mandarin ducks, known as Yuanyang in Chinese and Wonang in Korean) are birds made for life. In East Asian Cultures, they symbolize a loving spouse in a life-long monogamous marriage, therefore often associated with wedding ceremony.The vintage cabinet was dared to the first half of 20th century circa 1920-40s based on the details of the construction, patina and brass hardware. It was likely from Gyeongsang-do, the southern province of South Korea. The frame was made from zelkova (Korean elm) and pine. An exotic burl wood (possibly from maple) was used for the inserted panels that cover most of the facade. The burl wood was considered a rather rare and expensive material in Korean furniture-making, making this piece a luxury item. The yellow brass hardware was elaborate and used relatively profusely. The four large lock plates and the hinges feature conforming scrolled longevity mushroom head design. Six smaller brass plaques in the two rows between the storage space were purely decorative and interestingly showcases butterflies, crabs and turtles, suggesting that the piece may be originated from a coastal region, possibly Tongyeong area in South Gyeongsang Province. The stacking design is classic and follows the prototype of wedding mandarin duck cabinet: three small drawers on top, two storage units in the mid-section, and then the pair of Mandarin Duck units on bottom. One unit on the left is fitted with stacks of smaller drawers for the storage of small pieces like jewelries. The cabinet was traditionally placed in woman's quarter in the household.See an earlier Mandarin Duck cabinet, see 34.530 in the collection of Brooklyn Musuem.For a similar cabinet with burl panels, see 002237 in the collection of National Folk Musuem of Korea, Seoul.