Korean Medicine Chest (Yak-jang) Style Side Cabinet
Decorative Art; Furniture; Wood and Brass mounted cabinet on stand • Korean, likely manufactured for the export or domestic decorative market; anonymous workshop.
Style & Movement
Traditional Korean (Joseon Dynasty style) / Asian Contemporary Revival
Medium & Technique
Ash or Elm wood (likely veneer or solid with strong graining), brass hardware, cast and hand-chased metalwork, lacquer finish.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 x 14 inches; Vertical/Rectangular format on a four-legged cabriole stand.
Subject Description
The piece features a tiered cabinet design mimicking a traditional herbalist's medicine chest. It includes decorative brass 'bat' or floral motifs, a distinctive fish-shaped lock plate (symbolizing vigilance and wealth), and ornate corner reinforcements. The composition emphasizes symmetry and the organic beauty of the wood grain.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; Wood grain is vibrant and hardware is intact with minor surface oxidation.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via an import boutique or as an antique-style furniture piece during the late 20th century. No specific labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the widespread global interest in Korean woodwork and traditional 'scholar' furniture aesthetics. While a decorative revival piece, it preserves the formal language of Joseon era functional art.
Notable Features
Fish-shaped master lock; butterfly and bat-form brass plates which are traditional symbols of longevity and luck; dramatic 'v-grain' wood patterns.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scratches on top, light tarnish on brass elements, possible fading of the finish due to light exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Apply a high-quality pH-neutral furniture wax; keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent wood splitting; clean brass only with a dry cloth to maintain patina.