Based on the carvings and the metal plate, you have a piece of traditional Korean furniture, likely a decorative stand or a component of a larger cabinet (such as a morigang or bandaji). The carvings and text provide several clues about its meaning and origin: 1. The "Double Happiness" Symbol The most prominent carving on the wood (the square, symmetrical character) is the Hanja character 囍 (Sanghui). Meaning: It stands for "Double Happiness." Usage: It is a traditional "auspicious" symbol commonly used in Korean and Chinese culture to represent joy, marriage, and good fortune. You often see this on furniture given as wedding gifts or intended for the master bedroom. 2. The Metal Plate (Identification) The metal tag is written in Hangul (Korean). While slightly worn, the text indicates the maker or the origin: Top/Right text: 공예 (Gong-ye), which means "Craft" or "Artisan." Bottom/Left text: Likely the name of the specific workshop or the artist who produced the piece. 3. Design Elements The Border: The geometric "maze-like" pattern around the characters is a traditional fretwork design symbolizing longevity and eternal life. The Wood: It appears to be a stained hardwood, common in mid-to-late 20th-century Korean furniture reproductions that were popular both domestically and as exports for military families stationed in Korea.
31 1/2 × 31 1/2