Korean Najeonchilgi Mother-of-Pearl Crane & Pine Lacquer Box, ImArt

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Description

This exceptionally fine Korean mother-of-pearl lacquer box is almost jewel-like in its construction and finish. Measuring 4.75" x 3" x … Read more This exceptionally fine Korean mother-of-pearl lacquer box is almost jewel-like in its construction and finish. Measuring 4.75" x 3" x 1.5", its compact rectangular form is completely transformed by luminous white mother-of-pearl that flashes with remarkable shades of rose, lavender, aqua, green and gold as the light moves across it. At times the shell has the milky, spectral quality of fine white opal.

The lid presents an intricately worked landscape of cranes flying through pine trees beneath a celestial orb, distant mountains and stylized clouds. The imagery continues around the sides, where additional cranes move through dense foliage. Particularly beautiful is the precision of the shell work: feathers, pine needles, clouds and landscape elements are articulated with extraordinarily fine incised lines against the contrasting black ground. The result is both graphic and wonderfully delicate.

Opening the box offers an unexpected second pleasure—rather like discovering a pearl within an already beautiful oyster. The interior abandons the pictorial landscape entirely and reveals a dazzling geometric field of iridescent mother-of-pearl set against deep black lacquer. The repeating pattern covers the bottom and interior walls, creating an almost architectural counterpoint to the naturalistic exterior. It is a wonderful example of how Korean lacquerwork can combine extraordinary surface richness with disciplined design.

The underside retains an ImArt / Made in Korea label, while the underside of the lid bears the name and emblem of Chungnam National University in Korean and English. These markings provide an unusually useful connection to the box's Korean origin. Whether originally produced as a presentation piece, commemorative object or special gift, it was clearly intended to be something considerably finer than an ordinary souvenir.

The box is remarkably smooth and refined to the touch, with an almost seamless quality to its construction. Although small enough to sit comfortably on a desk, dressing table or bedside table, the density of the decoration and extraordinary iridescence give it the visual presence of a much larger decorative object. It would be equally lovely used for jewelry, keepsakes or simply displayed as a small work of decorative 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. See less