Korean Red Najeonchilgi Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Vase, c. 1960s–1970s

The Piece

Korean red Najeonchilgi decorative vase, c. 1960s–1970s.
Brass or brass-toned metal body with red lacquer finish, mother-of-pearl inlay, applied coin-form neck medallion, brass rim, and original production label near the base.
The interior base includes an impressed or stamped maker/workshop mark.

This vintage Korean vase is formed from metal with a bright red lacquered exterior and warm brass-toned interior. The body is decorated with finely cut mother-of-pearl or abalone shell inlay, arranged into a mythical creature motif set among stylized waves. The shell catches light in shifting tones of silver, blue, green, pink, and gold, giving the design a dimensional quality against the saturated red ground.

The raised medallion near the neck resembles a traditional Asian cash coin motif, adding another symbolic layer associated with prosperity and good fortune. The original foil production label remains near the base, supporting its identification as Korean lacquerware, likely connected to the Najeonchilgi tradition. The piece presents as a mid-to-late 20th-century decorative export vase, made with traditional Korean craft influence in a compact, displayable form.

About Najeonchilgi

Najeonchilgi is the Korean lacquerware tradition of setting iridescent shell into lacquered surfaces. “Najeon” refers to mother-of-pearl or shell inlay, while “chilgi” refers to lacquerware. The technique is especially associated with Korean decorative arts, where abalone, mother-of-pearl, and shell fragments are cut and arranged into symbolic patterns, animals, florals, landscapes, and auspicious motifs.

During the mid-20th century, Korean workshops produced decorative lacquerware pieces for both domestic use and the export market. This vase reflects that period, combining traditional shell-inlay craftsmanship with a bold red lacquer finish and brass-bodied construction.

Product Details

Historical Context

This vase belongs to the Korean decorative lacquerware tradition known as Najeonchilgi, a craft long associated with mother-of-pearl inlay and lacquered surfaces. While earlier Korean lacquerware was often made in black lacquer with intricate shell work, mid-20th-century decorative pieces also appeared in brighter red lacquer finishes, especially for export and display markets.

The brass body and rim, shell inlay, coin-form medallion, and workshop-style label suggest a vintage Korean production piece rather than a contemporary decorative reproduction. Its scale and finish make it consistent with small collectible vases, shelf pieces, and export lacquerware produced during the 1960s and 1970s.

Condition + Updates

This piece is in good vintage condition with visible age-related wear. The red lacquer surface shows minor scuffs, small marks, and surface variation. The brass rim and interior have oxidation, spotting, and patina consistent with age. The mother-of-pearl inlay remains visually striking, with some small areas of wear and natural variation. The original foil label near the base is present but worn.

No modern restoration is evident from the photos. The patina and wear have been preserved.

Why This Belongs in Your Home

This vase brings color, craft, and cultural depth into a room without feeling oversized or overly formal. The red lacquer gives it strong visual presence, while the mother-of-pearl inlay adds movement and light. It works well on a bookshelf, console, cabinet, writing desk, or layered into a collected vignette with brass, lacquer, stone, or darker wood.

Its value is in the combination: Korean craft tradition, vintage export history, original label, bold red lacquer, and iridescent shell inlay. It is decorative, but not generic. Tiny miracle, really.

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