국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Highlights
Four-shelved Stand
  • Nationality/Period

    Joseon Dynasty

  • Materials

    Wood - Paulownia

  • Category

    Housing - Daily Utensils - Furniture - Table

  • Dimensions

    H. 149.5cm

  • Accession Number

    Namsan 1008

Stands like this were used to store and display books, stationary, literati objects, and other items to be appreciated, and they served their own decorative function as well. Most stands had three or four shelves; sometimes one of the lower tiers would be enclosed and have a door, like a cabinet. This stand is open on all four sides, with four thin support posts made from a pear tree (known for its strength) and firmly interlocked flat panels made from an odong (paulownia) tree, which is thin but very difficult to break. The structure is simple yet stable, allowing it to securely support objects while also allowing them to stand out. The proportion is also well suited for Korean traditional houses, making their low, narrow living spaces seem larger and more spacious. The aesthetics of this stand, with a beauty that is inseparable from its simplicity, correlates well with contemporary tastes, making it easy to admire and appreciate.