Large Najeon Chilgi Mother of Pearl Plate & Tray by Park In-ho

Overview

This Large Najeon Chilgi mother-of-pearl plate and tray showcases the centuries-old Korean craft of shell-inlaid lacquerware. Slivers of iridescent mother-of-pearl are set by hand into lustrous black lacquer, catching the light in shifting rainbow tones. 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

Najeon-chilgi is the Korean art of inlaying cut mother-of-pearl into lacquered wood. Thin pieces of shell are shaped, laid into successive coats of natural lacquer (ottchil), and polished smooth, a slow layered process that gives the surface its depth and durable, glowing finish. The undecorated ground lets the natural iridescence of the shell take center stage.

Artist

This piece is attributed to Park In-ho, 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, large size; 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.