''Soban'' () are small tray-like tables, usually wooden, used in
Korea
Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republi ...
for carrying food and as individual dining tables. They are generally made of walnut, pine or ginko wood, often sourced from the carpenter's local area.
Carvings and murals showing images of ''soban'' have been found in tombs dating back to the time of the
Goguryeo kingdom. As well as being used for dining, ''soban'' were also used for general carrying tasks, as writing desks and as small altars for prayers or for burning incense.
''Soban'' are generally fairly small, due to the historical custom of family members and guests each having their own individual table. The standard dimensions are around , with the legs standing about high. The table is placed on the floor, and used from a seated position.
[
The art of making ''soban'', called ''sobanjang'', is designated one of Korea's Important Intangible Cultural Properties,][
Soban are generally classified in various ways. Commonly they are referred to by their region of origin.][ Another standard system classifies them by the shape and number of the legs, the most popular of which is ''hojokban'' ("tiger leg").][
]
See also
* Chabudai
is a short-legged table used in traditional Japanese homes. The original chabudai ranged in height
from just 15 cm to a maximum height of 30 cm. People seated at a chabudai may sit on '' zabuton'' or ''tatami'' rather than on chairs. The four l ...
, a short-legged Japanese table
References
{{Reflist
Furniture
Important Intangible Cultural Properties of South Korea
Tables (furniture)