Korean Joseon Dynasty silver-inlaid iron tobacco box with sliding cover
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Korea, 18th-19th century
This rectangular tobacco box dates to the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, produced between the 18th and 19th centuries. The box is constructed from iron and features intricate silver inlay work.
It is supported by four flat brass feet. One side of the container is fitted with a loose C-form brass handle positioned above a functional knob; this knob slides vertically to release a mechanical catch, which secures the sliding cover of the box. The top of the lid is decorated with a central stylized 'shou' character enclosed within a roundel. The exterior surfaces of the box are further embellished with a continuous diapered pattern, which covers the lid and the four side panels.
This functional object reflects the prevalence of smoking during the late Joseon period, serving as a dedicated vessel for the storage of tobacco leaves. The piece weighs 516.5 grams and measures 10.2 cm by 6.7 cm by 5.7 cm.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 516.5 g
- Material
- iron, silver, brass
- Dimensions
- 10.2 x 6.7 x 5.7 cm
Technical characteristics
- Mechanism
- sliding cover with latch operated by a sliding knob
Design
- Motif
- stylized shou character, diapered ground
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.