Vintage Korean Octagonal Red Lacquer Jewelry Box With Mother-of-Pearl Figural Inlay

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A beautifully sculptural mid-century Korean lacquer jewelry box featuring a rare octagonal form, deep oxblood-red finish, and shimmering mother-of-pearl figural … Read more A beautifully sculptural mid-century Korean lacquer jewelry box featuring a rare octagonal form, deep oxblood-red finish, and shimmering mother-of-pearl figural inlay.

The lid is decorated with lively dancing figures and flowing ribbon motifs rendered in iridescent shell, creating a wonderful sense of movement and theatricality. The composition feels distinctly mid-century — blending traditional Asian decorative arts with the glamorous Hollywood Regency fascination for lacquer, exoticism, and richly reflective surfaces.

The faceted octagonal silhouette gives the piece an especially architectural presence, setting it apart from more common rectangular export lacquerware of the era. The proportions are elegant and jewel-like, with softly tapered sides and a richly glowing finish that shifts beautifully under changing light.

Inside, the box opens to a spacious lacquered interior ideal for jewelry, vanity accessories, letters, keepsakes, or tabletop display.

Marked “Made in Korea” to underside.

An exceptionally atmospheric decorative object from the golden age of mid-century Asian export design — equally at home in Hollywood Regency, chinoiserie, Asian modern, or eclectic vintage interiors. See less