Basin-shaped lock

late 19th–early 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 233

Created for security, locks are interesting objects in their melding of function and design. This lock retains the locking mechanism of the most common type from this period: a ㄷ-shaped shackle that is inserted and removed from the left. A major change is the keyhole shape and its location at the front. With the protruding circular keyhole, this type is referred to as basin-shape or, in Korean, as a belly-button lock. The shape of the key with its rounded head, circular shoulder and ridged blade, in particular, illustrates Western-style design that prompted new forms.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

유제 함박형 자물쇠 조선
鍮製芍形鎖鑰朝鮮
Title: Basin-shaped lock
Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Date: late 19th–early 20th century
Culture: Korea
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Lock: L 5 7/16 in. (13.8 cm); H 3 1/2 in. (9 cm); W 2 1/2 in. (6.35 cm)
Key: L 4 7/8 in. (10 cm); H 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm); W 3/8 in. (1.1 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Gift of the children of Lea R. Sneider, 2024
Object Number: 2024.440.7a, b
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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