Material

Made 100% from ocean creatures

Style

Korean lacquerware

Type

Korean mother of Pearl lacquerware set

Recently had an appraisal done but only for one the pieces out of the set and was estimated at $19,999. That was only for the largest piece of the complete 5 piece set I have for sale. Willing to sell individually under my circumstances but would give the better deal to someone wanting to keep the one of a kind set all together. A little history about this kind of furniture craftsmanship. In the 1960s and 1970s, Korean mother of pearl lacquerware, also known as najeonchilgi, became a symbol of wealth due to its high price. Najeonchilgi is a traditional decorative technique that involves inlaying colorful pieces of shellfish onto objects. During the Goryeo era, aristocrats owned most of the lacquerware, and it was often gifted to foreign delegates and kingdoms overseas. During the Joseon era, the common people and upper classes admired the pieces for their depiction of nature and everyday life. Between 1910 and 1945, Japan colonized Korea and prevented free trade prosperity. When Korea gained independence, the craft began to flourish again, and during the 1960s and 1970s, the lacquerware became symbolic of Korean wealth. However, the supply of abalone shells began to dry up due to high demand, so turban and pearl shells were imported from places such as Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In the 1980s, the extortionate price caused the market to shrink considerably. Najeonchilgi has a 2,000-year heritage, but it has been gradually disappearing. Due to a series of recent unfortunate events I’m unable to hold onto the furniture and need to sell asap. Best offer takes the set

Original Or Reproduction

Antique original