Najeon Pine Tree Box

This work is the “Najeon Pine Tree Box,” a representative lacquerware piece by master craftsman Park Gang Yong (Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 13).

The deep, serene black surface of the high-purity black lacquer, hand-refined by master craftsman Park Kang Yong, evokes the darkness of the universe. The flowing, embroidered blue and radiant light of the mother-of-pearl creates a dramatic visual contrast, bringing the pine tree to life even more. 

Najoen, or mother-of-pearl decoration, uses the traditional 'cutting technique,” where thin, elongated pieces of mother-of-pearl are delicately sliced with a blade to fill in curves and surfaces. One can glimpse the artisan’s meticulous skill in three-dimensionally and finely rendering the texture of the rough pine bark and the dense, sharp shape of the needles.

Designed so that the thick trunks and branches of the pine tree continue seamlessly and naturally from the top lid (upper part) to the side of the body (lower part). The sense of proportion is superb, completing a perfect painting when the box and lid are closed.

It underwent the 'wood core lacquer-forging technique,” where hemp cloth is applied over a wooden frame and lacquer and sandpaper are repeatedly applied and removed 7 to 9 times or more. Even after attaching the mother-of-pearl, more lacquer is applied and carved until the mother-of-pearl and surrounding lacquer are level, creating an organic flat surface with no areas of obstruction when touched with the fingertips.

· Size: L38 cm x W28 cm x H14 cm approx.

· Materials: lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, wood 

· Year: 2013