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Distinctive vintage Korean decorative vessel attributed to the traditionalNajeon Chilgilacquer technique.
The piece features a round lidded bowl raised on an elaborate openwork pedestal with circular base, small side loop handles and extensive hand-inlaid iridescent mother-of-pearl decoration. The black lacquer surface is embellished with dense shell mosaic, geometric borders, stylized dragon or mythical-creature motifs and fine gold-tone metal-wire detailing.
The combination of black lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay and fine metal-wire decoration is characteristic of traditional Korean lacquer craftsmanship.
Maker is unknown and no maker’s mark or backstamp was found.
Based on construction, decorative technique and overall appearance, I believe the piece is vintage Korean, likely dating approximately to the early-to-mid 20th century. Exact age cannot be confirmed.
Condition:
This piece has significant previous damage and restoration. Several decorative support/bracket elements beneath the bowl were broken and have been reattached. Old repair lines, glue residue, misalignment, exposed wood, chips and losses around the restored areas are visible. Additional age-related surface scratches, rubbing, lacquer wear and scattered small losses to the mother-of-pearl decoration are present. Please examine all close-up photographs carefully, as the repairs are intentionally shown in detail.
No major structural crack through the main bowl body was observed.
Approximate overall height:4.5 inches.
Please see the photographs with ruler for scale. Additional measurements are available upon request.
The photographs are an important part of the description and clearly document the condition and previous repairs.
Despite the restoration, this remains an unusually elaborate example of Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerwork with dense hand-inlaid decoration and a distinctive architectural pedestal form.
