국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Highlights
Two-tiered Cupboard
  • Exhibition Name

    Pantry Chest

  • Nationality/Period

    Japanese Colonial Period

  • Materials

    Wood - Paulownia

  • Category

    Housing - Daily Utensils - Furniture - Cupboard

  • Dimensions

    H. 146.5cm, 52.0x111.0cm

  • Accession Number

    Sinsu 9449

  • Location

    Kim Chong-hak Gallery

Korean traditional houses usually had a pantry or daecheong (大廳, main floor room), where a cupboard would be kept to store dishes and kitchenware. This cupboard has two levels, with hinged doors installed on both the upper and lower half. The frame is made from pine wood, which is firm and moisture resistant. Not only is pine wood strong enough to support the weight of heavy dishes (such as brass or porcelain ware), but it also has the added benefit of being a natural insect repellant. The exterior is made from a zelkova tree, a tree native to Asia that is known for having especially beautiful wood grain. Note that the zelkova wood planks were very carefully cut and symmetrically arranged, to align and highlight the distinctive wood grain. The effect balances well with the robust pine frames, conveying an impressive voluminous appearance. The front of the cupboard is divided into numerous quadrilaterals, with the two sets of round hinges on the doors adding a nice soft contrast. This magnificent cupboard truly exudes the solid beauty of Korean traditional kitchen furniture.