Najeongukhwaneongkulmunuisangja

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2278

Category

Craft

Era

고려 후기

Designated year

2024

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 효자로 12(세종로, 국립고궁박물관)

Coordinates

37.578800, 126.977000Museum-based location

This English description was machine-translated and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the original Korean text for details.

The mother-of-pearl inlaid chrysanthemum vine-pattern container is a lacquered wooden box with lid, body, and interior compartmental organizers, repatriated from Japan by Korea Heritage Service in 2023. The container was manufactured through the traditional Goryeo lacquerware production method known as wood-core silk-base technique, wherein a wooden armature framework of coniferous timber is wrapped with fabric, subsequently coated with bone ash paste before mother-of-pearl applications and finished through multiple layers of lacquer-coating. The entire surface displays 770 chrysanthemum vine-pattern motifs complemented by supplementary hemp-leaf patterns, tortoiseshell patterns, and beaded patterns. The chrysanthemum vine-motifs were executed through fine-cutting inlay technique, utilizing thinly shaved mother-of-pearl pieces adhered to the surface, with twisted brass wire applied for vine stems. The hemp-leaf and tortoiseshell patterns employed fine-cutting technique wherein mother-of-pearl strips were gradually severed to create discontinuous pattern representation. This artistic expression exemplifies the 'fine density and admirability' characteristic recorded by Xu Jing in his Account of Goryeo, referencing Goryeo mother-of-pearl lacquerware artistry. The container measures 18.5 centimeters height, 33.0 centimeters width, and 19.4 centimeters overall height, representing a relatively diminutive example compared to standard sutra-case containers. Goryeo mother-of-pearl inlaid containers number fewer than 20 known examples worldwide, with the present example's internally compartmentalized structure representing an unprecedented discovery. The visible notch marks from removed hinges and metal fasteners on front, back, and side surfaces suggest the container underwent modification from a larger sutra-case prototype. The exceptional preservation condition, retention of mother-of-pearl luminosity, and meticulous pattern workmanship demonstrate the sophisticated concentration of late Goryeo mother-of-pearl technology possessing considerable academic, artistic, and technical value.

Location