Najeon Chilgi (Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware) is a traditional Korean craft that dates back over a thousand years.
The technique involves embedding finely cut pieces of mother-of-pearl (nacre) onto wooden objects and coating them with multiple layers of lacquer to enhance durability and shine.
It flourished during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and reached its peak during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), where it was used for royal and aristocratic items such as furniture, jewelry boxes, and writing desks.
Across East Asian art, the dragon (龍, “ryong/hong”) reigns supreme as a guardian of the heavens, a bringer of rain and abundance, and an emblem of imperial authority.In the hands of our master artisans, delicate mother-of-pearl fragments are inlaid into lustrous lacquer to evoke the sinuous curves and iridescent scales of this mythical creature.Introducing […]
Discover the rich symbolism of crane and pine in Korean mother-of-pearl shell inlay art ; explore handmade pencil cases, jewelry boxes & more. In traditional East Asian art, the crane (鶴, “hak”) and the pine tree (松, “song”) are two of the most revered symbols.When rendered in delicate mother-of-pearl inlay atop a glossy lacquer background, […]
HANARTS’s ROHS Certification: A Global Standard for Mother-of-Pearl Design In an era where design meets sustainability, HANARTS has positioned itself as a rare example of traditional craftsmanship evolving into industrial-grade innovation. Back in 2007, the brand accomplished something few in the decorative materials space had done: it achieved ROHS certification to meet the demands of […]
The Art of Korean Najeon Chilgi: A Timeless Craft 1. The Origins of Korean Najeon Chilgi Najeon Chilgi (Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware) is a traditional Korean craft that dates back over a thousand years. The technique involves embedding finely cut pieces of mother-of-pearl (nacre) onto wooden objects and coating them with multiple layers of lacquer to […]