Antique 18 - 19th Century Korean Silver- Inlaid Iron Tobacco Box Korea Joseon dynasty

Antique 18th-19th century Korean silver-inlaid iron tobacco box with sliding lid, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).
The rectangular box made of hand-forged iron is adorned with silver inlaid bamboo branches, peony blossoms, and a crane standing beside a pine tree on three sides.
The box has a sliding cover that is silver inlaid with Korean script. The fourth side of the box has a shaped brass lock plate and handle, and small brass feet are attached to the bottom of the box.
Smoking was introduced to Korea from Japan in the early 1600s and quickly became popular among people of all genders, social classes, and ages.
This was due to the appealing characteristics of tobacco in Korea at that time. Namely, the favorable climate and soil for tobacco cultivation created a profitable economic sector, and smoking was thought to be a health-promoting, social, and cultural activity.
Smoking was a common habit among people of all classes. However, the quality of tobacco used varied depending on the social hierarchy. As a result, small boxes were produced to store tobacco leaves. This example has silver inlay decorations.

CONDITION: It shows its age and intense ritual use, an age consistent with the wear of the silver inlay, the absence of a lock mechanism, and one brass leg.

DIMENSIONS:
Length: 9.6 cm (3.8 inches).
Width: 6 cm (2.3 inches).
Height: 5.3 cm (2.9 inches).

WEIGHT: 330 grams.