This beautifully crafted Korean octagonal lacquer box is an exceptional example of traditional najeonchilgi, the centuries-old Korean art of decorating lacquerware with intricately cut mother-of-pearl.

The lid presents an elaborate symmetrical composition of two cranes arranged around a dimensional floral medallion, surrounded by scrolling foliage and blossoms. Against the deep black lacquer ground, the finely cut shell shifts dramatically with the light, revealing tones of pearl, silver, rose, blue, green and gold.

The decoration continues around the exterior walls with individual panels of cranes, flowers and foliage. Removing the lid reveals an equally striking interior: the base and sloping sides are lined with mother-of-pearl in a bold interlocking geometric pattern, creating a wonderful contrast to the organic imagery of the exterior.

The underside retains its original Shin Do Lacquerware Co. label, and the piece is accompanied by Shin Do literature identifying the work as Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware. The company information identifies its location in Seoul, Korea.

A particularly decorative example of Korean lacquer craftsmanship, this box works beautifully as a jewelry or keepsake box while also standing on its own as an objet d'art.

This box is part of a small collection of exceptionally fine Korean mother-of-pearl lacquer boxes being offered individually in our Designalaria collection on Chairish. Several companion pieces are shown together in the photographs to illustrate how beautifully the varying shapes, patterns and shell colors relate to one another. Each is sold separately and may be found elsewhere in our shop. Displayed singly they have the presence of small jeweled objects; assembled as a group, their luminous surfaces and differing geometries create a particularly striking collection.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Condition: Vintage pre-owned condition with signs of age and use consistent with a decorative object that has been handled and enjoyed. The glossy black underside shows surface wear and light scratching more readily than the decorated surfaces. Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Origin:
Korea, Republic of

Materials & Techniques:
Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Details:
Country of Origin: Korea, Republic of
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Condition: Vintage pre-owned condition with signs of age and use consistent with a decorative object that has been handled and enjoyed. The glossy black underside shows surface wear and light scratching more readily than the decorated surfaces. Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description.