나전 칠 모란 넝쿨 무늬 옷상자 조선|螺鈿漆牡丹唐草文衣箱子 朝鮮|Clothing box decorated with peony scrolls
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell, and brass wire
Dimensions
H. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); W. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm); L. 31 1/8 in. (79.1 cm)
Classification
Lacquer
Culture & Period
Korea · Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015
Accession Number
2015.500.3.3a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite clothing box from 17th-century Joseon Korea (1392–1910) exemplifies the dynasty's mastery of lacquer, a craft prized for its durability and opulent beauty. Designed to store folded garments, the rectangular box measures about 31 inches long, with a shallow lid perfect for hanbok robes. Crafted during a period of refined Confucian aesthetics, such items were status symbols in elite households, functionality with artistic splendor. The surface is adorned with intricate peony scroll motifs, executed in *najeon chil*—lacquer inlaid with shimmering mother-of-pearl (*najeon*) and tor...