Chaekgeori (책거리) is a Korean word for "books and things" which was an early genre of Korean still life painting. This genre rose to popularity during the Joseon dynasty in the second half of the 18th century. During this time there was a growth in learning and an importance on books. Chaekkado (책가도) or "bookshelf paintings" did not only depict books but also fine objects like stationeries and treasures. Items could include porcelain objects, fans or flowers and some from foreign origins like China, Japan or Europe.
Displays of chaekeori were influenced from duobaoge treasure cabinets from the Chinese Qing Dynasty. A duobaoge was a small box or shelf of many treasures and often displayed small cherished items like teapots, vases or bowls. The duobaoge was not only used to show off the treasures of the curator but also to show off craftmanship. It's complex design and detailed structure could have many little boxes and compartments to show off hundreds of cherished items.
The duobaoge itself was influenced by the European "cabinet of many curiosities" which were also collections of notable objects. Originally, cabinets were described as a room and not a piece of furniture. Classic cabinets of curiosities emerged in the 16th century, although rudimentary collections had existed before then. Cabinets not only served as a reflection of personality to the curator but also a reflection of rank in society. Early pictorial records show that collections often included items of natural history, geology, anthropology or archaeology. Some collections focused on arts or religious and historical relics but it all depended on the curator. During this era there was a focus on natural history which meant that collections included taxidermy animals, animal feathers, claws or herbs, shells, coral, rocks and so forth.
Throughout these different eras and continents, the concept is the same. People were collecting treasures from their home or their travels abroad finding curious items that they found interesting. The aesthetics and selection of the treasures varied based on the curator. Centuries later, we're doing the same thing when we go to the beach and pick up a shell to bring it home or travel abroad and buy a souvenir. We collect tokens from our travels based on our interests and pile it on our desk or bookshelf. There is a great William Morris quote that I've come across more than once:
"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
What's in your cabinet of treasures?
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