Mirror Stand

This is a stand with a mirror attached to the inner side of the lid in the upper part to allow convenient usage as necessary, while in the lower part, there is a drawer for storing cosmetics and hairdressing tools. Since it often comprises part of a bride’s dowry, such stands required an elaborate and colorful design and decorations. As a result, it was often varnished with red lacquer to enhance the natural wood grain, or adorned with mother-of-pearl inlay, ox horn, or tortoiseshell, as well as a variety of metals with auspicious motifs such as mandarin ducks, Ten Longevity Symbols, a pair of cranes, or bats. Men also used a mirror stand when tying their topknot or adjusting their attire, and men’s stands were comparatively smaller and simpler than that of women. A mirror stand was designed for the lid containing the mirror to be tilted when opened at an angle appropriate for sedentary position. It is also small and light for portability, and can be folded when not in use. The basic frame of the stand shown here is made of hardwood, and the board is often made of black persimmon wood, which boasts beautiful wood grains. Its metal decorations are commonly made of brass. The lid consists of two wooden boards joined by square hinges that also join the lid to the body. The mirror on the inner side of the lid can be stood obliquely when the lid is open. There is an eunhyeol lock (a lock with only the keyhole shown on the outside and the actual lock hidden inside) on the metal plate, while a “ㄷ” shaped metal handle is attached to the drawer, and the feet on the bottom are integral to the body. Some mirror stands are equipped with a rectangular mirror that can be separated and adjusted at any angle. There are two drawers on the lower left part of the body, and a hinged door on the right. A bow-shaped handle made of brass is attached to the drawer, while a knob in the shape of a heavenly peach is attached to the hinged door. There are four low feet on each corner at the bottom.