Korean Elmwood Tansu Butterfly Chest with Brass Hardware. This ornate Korean-style chest features a rich reddish-brown wood grain, multiple drawers and cupboards, and prominent butterfly-shaped brass hardware.

Size: 16 5/8 x 29 1/2 x 29 5/8 in. 

Korean tansu chests, more commonly known as nong or bandaji depending on form, are traditional storage pieces distinguished by their sturdy proportions, dark woods, and expressive metal hardware. Crafted during the Joseon dynasty and later, they were designed for practicality—storing clothing, documents, or valuables—while also serving as markers of status and taste within the home. Their hand-forged brass fittings, often featuring butterflies, bats, or geometric plates, provide visual emphasis against restrained wooden surfaces, reflecting a Korean aesthetic that values balance, durability, and quiet ornamentation. Today, Korean tansu chests are admired for their functional beauty and cultural resonance, blending austere form with subtle decorative richness.

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