Chest decorated with phoenixes, colored roundels (taegeuk), and flowers

Korea

Not on view

Owing to its durability and waterproofing qualities lacquer was frequently applied to furniture. The taegeuk, or colored roundels, and trigrams on this chest—symbols now associated with the South Korean flag—along with the chrysanthemum motif suggest the piece dates to the Korean Empire (1897–1910).

Chest decorated with phoenixes, colored roundels (taegeuk), and flowers, Lacquered wood with inlaid mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, ray skin, and brass wire; brass fittings, Korea

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Chest decorated with phoenixes, colored roundels (taegeuk), and flowers, Lacquered wood with inlaid mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, ray skin, and brass wire; brass fittings, Korea
Chest decorated with phoenixes, colored roundels (taegeuk), and flowers, Lacquered wood with inlaid mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, ray skin, and brass wire; brass fittings, Korea

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