East Asian Art Garment Box Made in Korea, AsiaJoseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Late 19th century Artist/maker unknown, Korean Lacquered wood with mother-of-pearl inlay and brass wire decoration Currently not on view 2006-60-1 Purchased with the James and Agnes Kim Foundation Fund, 2006 |
LabelMother-of-pearl inlay was a popular form of embellishment for women’s objects and furnishings; the elaborate peonies with swirling scrolls pattern on this box was an especially beloved motif during the Joseon period. On the lid are eight Chinese characters that express wishes for good health, wealth, peace, and many male offspring for the owner. This kind of box would have been used for clothing storage in the women’s quarter of an upper-class Korean home. |
