Antiquarian at Greenwich

Chestnut Korean Palace Blanket Chest with Brass & Abalone Inlay

This exceptional Korean palace blanket chest exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Joseon dynasty tradition, when furniture for noble and royal households was elevated to the level of fine art. Constructed from rich chestnut wood — prized in Korean cabinet-making for its durability and warm, honey-toned grain — the chest presents a commanding presence while retaining an air of elegant restraint.

The exterior is lavishly appointed with metal mounting throughout, featuring intricate hardware in burnished brass fitted with luminous abalone shell inlay. The inlay work follows a flowing floral and vine motif — a classic Korean decorative vocabulary symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and natural beauty. This type of mother-of-pearl inlay work, known in Korean as najeon, is among the most celebrated and painstaking of traditional Korean decorative arts.

The chest's generous proportions — 43 inches wide and nearly 37 inches tall — suggest it was intended as a statement piece within a palace or upper-class yangban household, likely used to store fine silks, bedding, or ceremonial textiles. The metal-mounted construction reinforces structural integrity while adding a sophisticated visual rhythm across the surface.

A singular example of Korean decorative furniture at its finest. This piece would make a striking addition to a collection of Asian antiques, a traditional interior, or as a centerpiece in an eclectic setting that prizes artisanal heritage.

ORIGIN

Korea

PRIMARY MATERIAL

Chestnut Wood

HEIGHT

36¾"

WIDTH

43"

DEPTH

19¾"