National Museum Association's Young Friends Donate to Museum... Returned After Two Auctions
"Possible Transmission from 'Baekje Descendant' Family"... Evaluated as a 'Masterpiece' Distinct from Late Goryeo and Joseon Periods
[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] A Joseon Dynasty mother-of-pearl (螺鈿) box that had been smuggled to the United States has reappeared at the National Museum of Korea. The museum described it as an "excellent work showcasing the characteristics of 16th-century mother-of-pearl lacquerware craftsmanship."
On the 11th, the National Museum of Korea held a press conference to unveil the "Mother-of-Pearl Lacquer Lotus Vine Pattern Box." This mother-of-pearl box returned to Korean soil after being purchased at a recent auction in the United States by the museum’s cultural support social group, the "National Museum of Korea Association Young Friends (YFM)." It was repatriated after two auctions. Shin Seongsu, the collection committee chairman of the National Museum of Korea Association, explained, "It first appeared at a Christie’s auction in the 1990s, where a Japanese collector bought it at a high price. After this person passed away, we obtained information that it had resurfaced after 30 years, which led to its purchase."
Mother-of-pearl refers to a traditional craft technique where beautiful patterns are created by grinding and attaching abalone or shell pieces onto wooden furniture or objects. The surface is often decorated with lacquer.
The revealed mother-of-pearl box also features various patterns. The box measures 46 cm in width, 31 cm in length, and 13.4 cm in height. It is adorned with mother-of-pearl decorations depicting small lotus buds, lotus flowers with sepals, and fully bloomed lotus flowers, creating a subtle shimmering effect. Vine stems that seem to encircle the floral decorations are also noticeable. It is presumed to have been used to store valuables or stationery items.
The box is believed to be a Joseon Dynasty piece based on the use of the tapping technique (打擦法). This technique involves cutting the curved mother-of-pearl into patterns and then hammering it onto the surface. It is known to have appeared in the early Joseon period and was widely used in the later period.
A museum official explained, "Although it is not exactly known who used it, the technique used to make it is the same as that used for high-quality lacquerware, and since mother-of-pearl itself was expensive, it is believed to have been used by an upper-class family."
They added, "There are not many mother-of-pearl boxes made in the 16th century, making this a valuable example. It shows a different aesthetic from the intricate mother-of-pearl crafts of the Goryeo period and the lavish mother-of-pearl of the late Joseon period, giving it great value on its own."
From the left, YFM Chairman Jo Hyun-sang, National Museum of Korea Director Yoon Sung-yong [Photo by National Museum of Korea]
Meanwhile, YFM, which donated the mother-of-pearl box, currently has about 100 active members. It was founded in June 2008 by six key figures including Cho Hyun-sang, Vice Chairman of Hyosung Group, and Yoon Seok-min, Chairman of Taeyoung Group. Currently, members include Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Chung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae, and Heo Yong-soo, President of GS Energy.
Previously, they purchased and donated a Goryeo Dynasty Buddhist shrine and Avalokitesvara statue that had been smuggled to Japan in 2018, and recently contributed to creating the "Room of Contemplation" space exhibiting two national treasure Ban-gasayusang statues.
Cho Hyun-sang, Vice Chairman of Hyosung Group and chairman of YFM, said regarding the donation of the mother-of-pearl box, "It is an honor to have the opportunity to share cultural heritage together. We will strive to help preserve and pass on our proud culture."
Yoon Sung-yong, Director of the National Museum of Korea, said, "The process of returning this mother-of-pearl box was difficult, but it is an extremely precious cultural asset. Please remember and widely share the valuable meaning of this donation."
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