Korean Scholar’s Multi-levels Document Cabinet

1880, elm and pear wood, brass fittings, from Cheon Ra Nam Do Province.

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This arresting tall chest has the frame made of sturdy pear wood, and the front panels of elm, making use of the grain of the elm as decoration.  It is made up of several tiers with multi panels and doors opening in different ways, and two rows of drawers located at the bottom.  The top tier has a pair of doors opening in the middle to reveal two shelves with two small drawers mounted on the top shelf and one in the middle of the next shelf.  The second tier has four panels sliding sideways when one panel is lifted off a track.  The third tier opens downward as a half door, resting on the fourth tier, then the two tier of panels can be completely lifted off.  The wood panels used in these two tiers show beautiful mirror imaged grain patterns.  The tiered arrangement found on this cabinet is unique in Korea.  The brass hardware is different on each level.  The ornate lock-plate on the third tier, and  all pull-plates and hinges with beautiful motifs serve to enhance the beauty of this cabinet.  This is a handsome piece for any room, traditional or contemporary.

Price: $17,500