18th Century Chinese Medicine Chest

A Chinese Qing Dynasty apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest. Front in original red lacquer with 45 drawers (42 small drawers + 3 larger drawers at the bottom). ach drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...

Apothecary Cabinet (Medicine Chest) with 28 Drawers, Preserved in Original Lacquer This stunning apothecary chest features 28 drawers and retains its original lacquer. The body is fi...

Beautiful and decorative antique Chinese medicine cabinet, likely dating from the 1930s. Featuring multiple small drawers and traditio...

A fine antique Korean medicine or apothecary chest from late Joseon Dynasty (circa 19th century). Known as Yakchang in Korean, this type of chest was used to sort and store herb medicines in its many small drawers. The prototype was originated in China, but this piece is distinctively Korean. The fine piece was made from Paulownia wood, which has an insect-repelling quality. Relatively tall, the Yakchang features a slightly overhanging and upturning pagoda plank top. The upper part has ten rows of smaller drawers, eight per row and eighty total. The lower part is centered with double doors with brass hinges and pull that open to a small storage space, which is surrounded by twelve larger drawers. Each drawer is fitted with yellow brass pulls and with two names of the herbs in gilt Hanja writings. Examination of the construction and patina shows that this is an authentic antique piece that has seen extensive historical use. Provenance: Purchase from Lucky-Chosun Furniture, Seoul, Korea in 1986 and remains in an American collection until now. With an original invoice and also a freight invoice from Korea to Hongkong. There is also an insurance appraised by Sotheby's from 1997. A tall medicine chest with similar configuration from a doctor's home in Yongin Folk Village is illustrated on plate 75 page 61 in the book "Korean Furniture and Culture" by Bokcha, Soon and Youngsoon. To compare with another Medicine Chest, see illustration on page 47 in "Korean Antique Furniture...