Late 19th - early 20th century

Chest (Bandaji)

The bandaji, as the most essential type of furniture for a Joseon dynasty household, was produced throughout the Korean peninsula, and each region developed its own unique style. The elaborate ironwork on this piece is typical of works made in the northern region, possibly the Pyongyang area. Pyongyang chests can also be recognized by the type of wood used; linden wood does not have a strong grain pattern and therefore complements the openwork decoration of the iron fittings. Pine, paulownia, or zelkova were more commonly used in other parts of the peninsula.