A Korean Black Lacquer Cosmetic Chest with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay

Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), two drawers above a larger drawer with metal pulls, inlaid with a repeating coin motif using the Najeonchilgi technique with abalone or mollusk shells, the sides with floral patterns in mother-of-pearl, the top with a landscape scene, with a crescent moon handle to center of top.

6 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.

The shimmering effect comes from the Najeonchilgi technique, where natural abalone or mollusk shells are meticulously cut and embedded into layers of black lacquer. During the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, such intricate geometric patterns were a symbol of luxury and were frequently used on high-status items like jewelry boxes and scholar's chests.

A similar cosmetic chest from the Joseon dynasty is in the collection of the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco (2016.42.a-.e).

Pulls are all slightly loose; one circular mount under top handle is missing; some mother-of-pearl inlay, especially to sides and top, has loss; nicks and wear to edges of lacquer; some areas of lacquer with possible later touchups.

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