A branch of traditional Korean craftsmanship, mother-of-pearl craftsmanship, also called lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is a craft that decorates wood or other materials by creating various patterns using thinly cut shells (mainly abalone, conch, pearl clams, etc.). Mother-of-pearl craftsmanship is characterized by its distinctive brilliant and subtle hues when it is received by light, and its charm is to utilize it to create beautiful designs and elaborate patterns.
Historical background:
With a long history in Korea, mother-of-pearl crafts began to develop during the Three Kingdoms and Goryeo periods. Known as Goryeo’s outstanding craftworks along with Goryeo celadon, more diverse techniques were developed during the Joseon Dynasty.
Techniques and Design:
The lacquerware technique involves attaching a thin cut piece of mother-of-pearl to a surface of wood or metal and painting it several times to create a hard and glossy surface. Through this process, beautiful and elaborate patterns are created, and nature-inspired designs such as flowers, birds, dragons, and cranes often appear.Modern Utilization:
Traditionally, mother-of-pearl craftsmanship has been widely used in furniture, boxes, bowls, and ornaments. In recent years, it has been combined with modern designs to be made into jewelry boxes, accessories, interior props, and smartphone cases, creating a harmony between tradition and modernity.
With its sophistication and beauty, mother-of-pearl craft is also considered one of Korea’s cultural heritages, and it has become an important craft to promote traditional beauty to the world.
Features of accessories made with mother-of-pearl
The characteristics of the mother-of-pearl accessory stem from its unique luster and pattern. As mother-of-pearl has a radiance that shines like a rainbow when it is received by light, it exudes natural and elegant beauty. The mother-of-pearl accessory comes in many forms, combining traditional craftsmanship and modern
design, and it features:
Unique gloss and color:
As mother-of-pearl displays different colors and luster at different angles depending on the light, each accessory has its own unique beauty. As a result, it gives a luxurious and sophisticated feel.
Natural and unique patterns:
Because mother-of-pearl itself is a natural material, each piece has its own pattern and color. Because of this, even products of the same design have a unique personality, there are subtle differences.
Lightweight:
Since mother-of-pearl is a relatively light material, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. made of mother-of-pearl are comfortable to wear.
Harmony between tradition and modernity:
Traditionally, mother-of-pearl used in lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl was widely used in lacquerware crafts, but in modern times, it is reinterpreted in a simple and modern design, resulting in a variety of accessories. The combination of traditional beauty and modern sensations satisfies a wide range of tastes.
Careful craft skills:
The process of thinning and attaching mother-of-pearl requires a lot of manual work and skilled technology. This craftsmanship makes mother-of-pearl accessories a luxurious and artistic product.
Various colors and styles:
Various shells such as abalone and conch can be used to express various colors such as white, turquoise, and purple, enabling the creation of accessories with unique colors.
In summary, mother-of-pearl accessories exude an elegant and unique charm through their own gloss and natural patterns, and have the characteristics of expressing various styles with a design that blends tradition and modernity.
