Changes of Table Terms and Function in Korea

국내 탁자의 용어와 기능 변화

In the present study the meaning of table in the Joseon dynasty period and also in the present age was researched, and its changing according to the times was searched as well. The results are as follows. First, the meaning of table in the Joseon dynasty period and in the present age has one thing, "laying something on table" in common from the functional aspect. Whereas the table in the Joseon dynasty period had the function of laying and keeping articles or decorations, that of the present age contributes to reading and doing office work of human beings and this exceeds the simple function to keep articles, because it touches parts of the human body, so it combines function of comfort accordingly, not only the function of storage. Second, it was differently presented from the aspect of shape. The table of the Joseon dynasty period strongly showed the shelf-like shape due to the set-up in layers, while the table of the modern times has the rectangle-like form in one layer. It has been transformed according to the functional changes. Third, it is different also from the constructive aspect. The table of the Joseon dynasty period had the construction with one panel on 4 legs in layer upon layer, but the table today has one upper panel on legs supporting it. Namely, the term "table" has been constantly used from the Josen dynasty period until today, but it has a totally different meaning according to the times on the basis of the changes in function and shape. In the furniture which maintains the function and shape of the square-typed table with 3 or 4 layers and the book table in the Joseon dynasty but is used under the different term in the present times it can be counted that display cupboard or bookshelf. Furthermore, desk and tea table can be regarded as furniture which exactly corresponds with the term "table" used in the present days, and also in the Joseon dynasty period there were furniture with such same function as like the writing table and small dining table.