About Mother of Pearl Art
Since as long ago as the Goryeo Period, najeonchilgi (in Korean, ‘najeon’ meaning ‘Mother of Pearl’, and ‘chilgi’ meaning ‘lacquerware’) has been a clear symbol of social and financial status. During the Goryeo era most of the people who owned Mother of Pearl lacquerware were aristocrats, and the pieces were often gifted to foreign delegates and send to kingdoms overseas. Despite the cost, najeonchilgi were admired by the common people as well as upper classes during the Joseon era for their depiction of simple everyday life and nature.
