Najeon Chilgi Mother of Pearl Plate & Tray — Pine & Crane by Kim Gil-su

Overview

This Najeon Chilgi mother-of-pearl plate and tray features the Pine & Crane (송학 (songhak)) motif, a Korean symbol of longevity and steadfastness. Hand-inlaid iridescent shell is set into deep Korean lacquer, so the design shifts in color as the light moves. It works equally as a display centerpiece on a table or shelf and as a refined serving or catch-all tray for special occasions.

Heritage & Craft

The pine-and-crane pairing is one of Korea's most beloved longevity emblems. The evergreen pine holds its needles through the harshest winter, standing for steadfastness and an enduring life, while the crane—revered as a bird of the immortals—signifies nobility, grace, and a long, dignified existence. Inlaid in mother-of-pearl, the cranes catch the light in shifting rainbow tones against the deep lacquer ground.

Artist

This piece is attributed to Kim Gil-su, a Korean najeon-chilgi artisan. Because every motif is cut and laid by hand, each work carries its own subtle variations—making this an effectively one-of-a-kind piece.

Specifications

• Material: wood with natural Korean lacquer (ottchil) and mother-of-pearl (najeon) inlay.
• Format: decorative plate and tray; exact dimensions shown in the product images.
• Care: dust with a soft, dry cloth; keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to protect the lacquer and shell inlay.
• Origin: Handcrafted in Korea (najeon-chilgi, mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquerware).

Gifting

Presented in its display-ready form, this piece makes an elegant gift for weddings, anniversaries, corporate occasions, or for overseas friends seeking a distinctive token of Korean artistry.