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Small chest of drawers decorated with flowers, birds, and insects

early 20th century
Not on view
This chest is an excellent example of an early twentieth-century lacquer box with allover mother-of-pearl decoration. The incised floral motifs filled with black ink or charcoal make the piece particularly striking. The shape, size, and compartments suggest that this chest held writing or cosmetic paraphernalia.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 나전 칠 꽃 새 벌레 무늬 함 조선
  • 螺鈿漆 花鳥蟲文 函 朝鮮
  • Title: Small chest of drawers decorated with flowers, birds, and insects
  • Period: late Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
  • Date: early 20th century
  • Culture: Korea
  • Medium: Lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl, with incised design
  • Dimensions: H. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm); W. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm); D. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)
  • Classification: Lacquer
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Seymour Fund, Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift, and Friends of Korean Art Gifts, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.260a–g
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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