Two-tiered chest with stand

There are two kinds of traditional chests in Korea, nong and jang. A nong, like this object, is made of stackable components, while a jang is a single piece. On the red lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay is used to depict various scenes. The scholars on the front are playing go or peacefully heading to an unknown destination. Other scenes depict stories of hermits and their leisurely, reclusive lives. During the Joseon dynasty, a red-lacquer chest such as this was for upper-class women. Placed in an inner room, this kind of chest was used to store garments or blankets. As a luxury item, it indicated the family’s wealth.