Korean Jewelry Chest Appraisal

Vintage Korean Black Lacquer and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Jewelry Chest

This is a detailed black lacquer jewelry cabinet, likely of Korean origin (Najeonchilgi style), featuring intricate mother-of-pearl (nacre) inlays across multiple surfaces. The chest is designed in a pagoda or temple style with a flared canopy-style top and two side-opening doors that reveal an interior arrangement of three small drawers, plus a larger bottom drawer. The top lid is decorated with a centralized tiger motif surrounded by a floral border, a traditional symbol often representing protection in Korean culture. The interior drawers and the inside of the doors are further embellished with iridescent shell inlays depicting floral patterns, cranes, or birds in flight. The construction includes brass hardware, including circular drawer pulls and butterfly-shaped hinges. Notable craftsmanship is visible in the geometric shell borders lining the edges. In terms of condition, there is evidence of age-related wear including surface dust, micro-scratches on the high-gloss lacquer finish, and slight dulling of the iridescent shell. There are minor edge chips visible on the bottom decorative trim and signs of light oxidation on the brass components. This piece likely dates to the mid-to-late 20th century. The complex layering of nacre and the deep luster of the black lacquer indicate a high level of decorative craftsmanship typical of traditional East Asian workshop production.