Bamboo Comb Box

Bamboo was a favorite of Joseon literati.

Bamboo, which grows straight toward the sky and has a refreshing, lush appearance, represents the qualities of "nobility" and "elegance" that were idealized by Joseon literati.

In Korea, furniture and everyday items were made from bamboo using a variety of processing methods. One of the refined woodworking techniques of the late Joseon Dynasty was the use of short pieces of bamboo split into strips and pasted onto the surface of a wooden base for decoration.

This piece is a drawer decorated with bamboo planks pasted on the top and all sides. Many of these small drawers have been handed down as boxes for storing combs, and this piece was probably a comb box as well.

The bamboo is connected to form geometric patterns, taking advantage of its different lengths, and pasted from the top to the sides. The decoration, pasted without any gaps, is very intricate. It is interesting to see how the geometric patterns look different depending on the light refraction effect, as the rounded surface of the bamboo is utilized.

Decoration was banned during the Joseon Dynasty, but the spirit of seeking beauty even in simple appearances gave rise to techniques such as bamboo binding.

The way the drawers open is unique, with the three drawers opening in different directions. The top and bottom drawers open in the same direction, while the middle drawer opens in the opposite direction. Perhaps different drawers were used depending on what was put inside.

The handle is fitted with a brass magatama-shaped metal fitting, which is very cute.

The bamboo is in good condition with no peeling.

For storing small items in your study.
A display stand for small vases and statues.
Small Joseon furniture that can easily be incorporated into modern homes. It blends in seamlessly whether placed directly on the floor or on top of a large piece of furniture.