Is this for clothes? Dishes? Linens?

Question

This isn't a new piece, but it was given to us over a year ago. There's an apartment building across the street from our house...my husband was standing out on the porch, and saw this piece in the back of a pickup truck. The driver - whom my husband says hello to now and again - told him that he did some yard work for an older woman and she didn't want this piece anymore and told him to take it. About 30 minutes later, the guy knocks on our door and asks us if we want it; apparently, it was too big to  fit anywhere that made sense in their apartment!

Anyhoo, does anyone know what the original purpose of this piece is?? I know it can be used for anything, I'm just curious as to its original intent! Right now, it's in our dining room and I use it to store extra dishes, chargers, table runners, table clothes, napkins, etc. for special occasions. However, I'm thinking of repurposing it into my craft cabinet.

As much as I love DIY, I think I'm just going to leave this piece alone and not alter it in any way. It is really beautiful!

Srichmond83801 · Answer

It's a Korean wedding chest

GrandmaP · Answer

If it's not 'new,'' it could be worth quite a bit of money. I had one that was fifty years old or so and a guy offered me 950US for it. He said he would resell it.

Nikki Wills · Answer

My parents have some items that look absolutely identical to this. They bought them when we were station in the Philippines in the 1970s, and I know they bought a number of items in Hong Kong, too. They use them for clothes in their bedroom to this day.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

I see these for sale quite frequently on Craigslist. They are used as a dresser or armoire in the bedroom. But you're right, you could use it for just about anything

Jeanette S · Answer

What a TREASURE! It is a stunning piece and would look great in any room with any style you have! I too would think it was a small bedroom bureau but could be put to use where needed!

Kathy Evans Langford · Answer

I've seen it used as a 'real silver' utensil storage chest.

Teresa · Answer

It's a chinese bed cabinet reproduction you can use it in a bedroom or whatever works with a style.

Juli · Answer

Google (Tonsu chest)

Tweetermama2 · Answer

It's called a tea chest.  In the orient they store their tea inside along with their tea pots and accessories.

Miren Ruiz · Answer

En tonos turquesa y plata o dorado quedaria increible.Que suerte!!!

Elaine · Answer

This is a gorgeous Oriental piece & if you ever  tire of it, ship it to me!  lol!   Whatever you do, please leave it as is & don't ever paint it!   I also think it's a tea chest.

Patti · Answer

Personally, if I owned that piece of furniture I would NOT paint or alter it in any way. I would put it where I could enjoy it and use it in a way that would not damage it.

When/if you tire of it PLEASE let me know 🙏🏼

Is this for clothes? Dishes? Linens?

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Is this for clothes? Dishes? Linens?

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