이화여자대학교박물관

Of the more than 500 pieces of wooden furniture owned by Ewha Womans University Museum, 163 Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) pieces dating from the late 19th to early 20th century were selected and displayed. The furniture was categorized according to whether it was used in the sarangbang (men's quarters), anbang (women's quarters), or the pantry. The sarangbang was the men's living room, so most of its furniture was simple and natural, reflecting the integrity of the Joseon literati. The furniture of the sarangbang included book shelves, desks, stationery chests, desks used in temples to read Buddhist scriptures, and miscellaneous writing accoutrements such as brush holders. Everyday necessities were also displayed including cigarette cases, hat cases, manggeon (a headband woven from horsehair used to hold men's hair in place under a hat) cases, blankets, document holders, reins, and jaepan (the mats placed underneath ashtrays and chamber pots in order to protect the floor). There were even a few pieces of wooden furniture glamorously decorated with red or black lacquer or lacquer ware inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The anbang was the main quarters of the women, who were in charge of all matters related to food and clothing. The furniture and artifacts in the anbang included chests, drawers, storage boxes, sewing boxes, and dressers. Most of the furniture was lacquer ware decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl or painted ox-horn sheet handicrafts. Pantry furniture was mostly used in the kitchen, pantry, or living room. Pantry furniture on display included cupboards, wooden cases for holding rice and other grains, and small tables that were used to carry food. Most of the small tables were royal tables decorated with red and black lacquer.