What defines traditional 19th-century Korean cabinet design?

Korean cabinets from the nineteenth century, particularly those from the Joseon period, are defined by multi-panel frame construction, symmetrical proportions, and decorative brass hardware. They were engineered for functional domestic organisation and relied on precise mortise-and-tenon wood joinery.

Which materials were traditionally used in Korean cabinet making?

Traditional Korean cabinet makers used indigenous timbers such as burr elm, zelkova, pine, and paulownia. Metal components were typically crafted from hand-hammered brass or iron to reinforce corners and provide locking plates.

How can you identify authentic 19th-century Korean furniture?

Authentic period pieces show evidence of hand-forged metalwork, traditional joinery without modern screws or nails, and natural wear around handles and bases. The grain placement often exhibits deliberate symmetry, particularly when using highly figured woods like burr elm.

How do you style a Korean burr elm cabinet in modern interiors?

A Korean cabinet serves as a focal architectural accent when placed against neutral, contemporary backdrops. The warm wood tones and geometric metalwork pair well with minimalist decor, stone surfaces, and understated modern textiles.

How should antique burr elm cabinets be maintained and cared for?

Maintain stable humidity levels to prevent timber movement or splitting in burr wood veneers. Dust the surface regularly with a soft dry cloth, and apply high-grade beeswax sparingly while keeping brass fittings free from moisture.

for sale €1,492 $1,619

£1,275

Hingstons of Wilton

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2010

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

Korean Bandaji Chest

Antique Asian Cabinet

Oriental Wooden Chest

Asian Storage Cabinet

Traditional Korean Furniture

Id #SA1203503

PDF

SAVE

Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

19th century

For Sale by Hingstons of Wilton

Description

This exceptional antique Korean cabinet is crafted from beautifully figured burr elm, showcasing a rich, swirling grain that adds depth and character to any interior. Dating from the 19th century, the piece features traditional Korean design elements, including bold geometric panelling and ornate brass hardware.

The cabinet is fitted with multiple compartments and drawers, offering both practical storage and visual appeal. Its symmetrical façade is enhanced by hand-forged brass hinges, corner mounts, and distinctive circular lock plates, all of which contrast elegantly with the warm tones of the wood.

Raised on shaped legs, this Korean storage chest combines durability with refined craftsmanship. Ideal as a statement piece in a living room, hallway, or bedroom, it brings authenticity, history, and functionality into modern or traditional interiors alike.

________________________________________

Dimensions

• Width: 110 cm (43 1/4 inches)

• Depth: 53 cm (20 3/4 inches)

• Height: 168 cm (66 inches)

________________________________________

Key Features

• Authentic 19th-century Korean cabinet

• Crafted from highly figured burr elm wood

• Rich natural grain with warm, lustrous finish

• Traditional Korean geometric panel design

• Decorative hand-forged brass hardware and lock plates

• Multiple internal storage compartments and drawers

• Raised on shaped feet for added elegance

• Ideal statement piece for both modern and period interiors

“There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.”

• Delivery

• UK mainland FREE Other destinations please contact us, and we will get a quote. We use a professional Removal company to transport our precious items and do not entrust them to usual parcel services. Therefore, delivery may be 7 -10 days, but it is worth the wait of course.

• On occasions customers have been disappointed to miss an item as they e-mailed their enquiry instead of phoning, I would recommend that if you wished to get the piece, please call rather than e-mail. We are very friendly and easy to deal with.

•

This Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet is a green product and have not affected the environment we live in.

• We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

• Guarantee

This Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet carries the Hingstons Antiques product guarantee plate which gives you the peace of mind that any item with this plate, is of the quality and condition expected when purchasing from Hingstons Antiques Limited. All our goods are individually selected by Nick Hingston who uses his experience of over 45 years of trading to select the items with the best design and condition suitable to be placed into our quality stock.

• PRICE MATCHING

• Antiques are unique, and it is impossible to price match in the normal way. Please consider the quality of product, and the care taken in our restoration, before deciding if you are looking at price comparison.

• When you choose to purchase an item from Hingstons, you will be purchasing a piece that will enhance your home.

• We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

• Hingstons Distance selling policy.

• Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 14 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less transport costs, on condition it is returned in the condition it was sent.

• Payment- We can accept payment by bank transfer, card transaction by phone, or cheque in store for UK customers, please contact us if you are an overseas customer.

• Items remain on sale until payment is received.

Physical Dimensions

Height

168cm (66.14")

Width

110cm (43.31")

Depth

53cm (20.87")

Declaration

Hingstons of Wilton has dated this Korean Burr Elm Cabinet to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1203503

Dealers Notes

PRICE MATCHING

Antiques are unique and it is impossible to price match in the normal way. Please take into account the quality of product, and the care taken in our restoration, before making a decision if you are looking at price comparison.

When you choose to purchase an item from Hingstons, you will be purchasing a piece that will enhance your home.

We spend time choosing the best product, an antique that has to meet the criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

Beware of cheaper imitations.

DISTANCE SELLING REGULATIONS

Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd are covered under the Distance Selling Regulations, which give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 7 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less RETURN transport costs.

Description

This exceptional antique Korean cabinet is crafted from beautifully figured burr elm, showcasing a rich, swirling grain that adds depth and character to any interior.

“

Dating from the 19th century, the piece features traditional Korean design elements, including bold geometric panelling and ornate brass hardware.

Hingstons of Wilton

fig 1. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 1. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

The cabinet is fitted with multiple compartments and drawers, offering both practical storage and visual appeal. Its symmetrical façade is enhanced by hand-forged brass hinges, corner mounts, and distinctive circular lock plates, all of which contrast elegantly with the warm tones of the wood.

fig 2. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 2. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

Raised on shaped legs, this Korean storage chest combines durability with refined craftsmanship. Ideal as a statement piece in a living room, hallway, or bedroom, it brings authenticity, history, and functionality into modern or traditional interiors alike.

fig 3. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 3. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

________________________________________

Dimensions

• Width: 110 cm (43 1/4 inches)

• Depth: 53 cm (20 3/4 inches)

• Height: 168 cm (66 inches)

________________________________________

Key Features

• Authentic 19th-century Korean cabinet

fig 4. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 4. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

• Crafted from highly figured burr elm wood

• Rich natural grain with warm, lustrous finish

• Traditional Korean geometric panel design

• Decorative hand-forged brass hardware and lock plates

• Multiple internal storage compartments and drawers

fig 5. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 5. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

• Raised on shaped feet for added elegance

• Ideal statement piece for both modern and period interiors

“There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man’s lawful prey.”

fig 6. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 6. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

• Delivery

• UK mainland FREE Other destinations please contact us, and we will get a quote. We use a professional Removal company to transport our precious items and do not entrust them to usual parcel services. Therefore, delivery may be 7 -10 days, but it is worth the wait of course.

fig 7. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 7. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

• On occasions customers have been disappointed to miss an item as they e-mailed their enquiry instead of phoning, I would recommend that if you wished to get the piece, please call rather than e-mail. We are very friendly and easy to deal with.

fig 8. A tall nineteenth-century Korean burr elm cabinet with geometric frame panels, brass plate hardware, and small upper drawers. — fig 8. Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet with Brass Hardware – 19th Century Storage Chest

•

This Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet is a green product and have not affected the environment we live in.

• We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

• Guarantee

This Antique Korean Burr Elm Cabinet carries the Hingstons Antiques product guarantee plate which gives you the peace of mind that any item with this plate, is of the quality and condition expected when purchasing from Hingstons Antiques Limited. All our goods are individually selected by Nick Hingston who uses his experience of over 45 years of trading to select the items with the best design and condition suitable to be placed into our quality stock.

• PRICE MATCHING

• Antiques are unique, and it is impossible to price match in the normal way. Please consider the quality of product, and the care taken in our restoration, before deciding if you are looking at price comparison.

• When you choose to purchase an item from Hingstons, you will be purchasing a piece that will enhance your home.

• We spend time choosing the best product, an antique item that must meet the strict criteria to be placed in Hingstons of Wilton stock.

• Hingstons Distance selling policy.

• Purchases from Hingstons Antiques Ltd give all buyers the right to cancel the purchase within 14 working days after receipt of the item, for a full refund less transport costs, on condition it is returned in the condition it was sent.

• Payment- We can accept payment by bank transfer, card transaction by phone, or cheque in store for UK customers, please contact us if you are an overseas customer.

• Items remain on sale until payment is received.