Korean Antique Nong Two Section Cabinet

This Korean Nong (two-section stacking cabinet), showcases traditional Korean residential craftsmanship. Beautifully proportioned, this chest features a striking facade meticulously composed of highly figured ash or zelkova (keyaki) root burl panels, chosen for their deeply undulating, dramatic “landscape” grain patterns. The decorative burl face is precisely framed within a solid, rich chestnut or pine structure that has aged into a warm, lustrous dark honey finish. The cabinet’s front is lavishly adorned with hand-fused white brass (baekda) hardware, demonstrating the tradition of Korean metalwork decoration. The elaborate hardware includes large, incised foliate and cloud-shaped hinges and corner reinforcing braces. The two sets of double doors are centered by a prominent, stylized cloud-form main lock plate while an imposing, heavy cast-brass bail handle spans the midsection for structural accentuation. The upper section features a row of four shallow drawers adorned with matching brass drawer pulls, while the entire cabinet splits into two independent stackable units resting securely on a separate, scrolled low base apron with short bracket feet. Age: Circa Late Joseon Period (early 20th century) Dimensions: 56 ½” high by 36” wide by 17” deep