{"product_id":"vintage-korean-red-najeonchilgi-mother-of-pearl-inlay-vase-c-1960s-1970s","title":"Korean Red Najeonchilgi Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Vase, c. 1960s–1970s","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorean red Najeonchilgi decorative vase, c. 1960s–1970s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior base includes an impressed or stamped maker\/workshop mark.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Najeonchilgi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNajeonchilgi 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"964.0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObject Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecorative vase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ec. 1960s–1970s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStyle \/ Technique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNajeonchilgi lacquerware\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass or brass-toned metal, red lacquer, mother-of-pearl\/abalone shell inlay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed, brass, iridescent shell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMotif\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMythical creature, waves, coin-form medallion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInterior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass-toned metal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarkings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoil production label near base; impressed\/stamped mark inside base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstimated Height\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. 6–12.5 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstimated Width\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. 7.75 in at widest point\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstimated Weight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. 4.5lb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage condition with surface wear, patina, oxidation, small scuffs, and age-related finish variation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition + Updates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo modern restoration is evident from the photos. The patina and wear have been preserved.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy This Belongs in Your Home\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eListing Table\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"1294.8\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eListing Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Korean Red Najeonchilgi Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Vase, c. 1960s–1970s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSearch Keywords\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorean lacquer vase, Najeonchilgi vase, mother of pearl inlay vase, red lacquer vase, Korean brass vase, vintage Korean vase, abalone shell inlay vase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ec. 1960s–1970s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimary Material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrass or brass-toned metal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSecondary Material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed lacquer, mother-of-pearl\/abalone shell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor Family\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed, brass, iridescent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesign Style\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsian decorative arts, Korean lacquerware, mid-century export\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. Dimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12.5 in H x 7.75 in W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. Weight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4.5 lb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd valign=\"middle\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood vintage condition with patina, oxidation, scuffs, and surface wear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43253704294505,"sku":null,"price":157.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/D362AB0A-C245-42B2-B733-96FB31204461.jpg?v=1780035433","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/vintage-korean-red-najeonchilgi-mother-of-pearl-inlay-vase-c-1960s-1970s","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}