♡
Hexafoil-Shaped Table with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay — Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

Click image to view full screen

Written by: Elif ÇetinResearcher · Old Master Paintings
Korean Art · Catalogue no. 11963
Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

Hexafoil-Shaped Table with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
Own a comparable work? Consign with us

✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing

This low table showcases intricate mother-of-pearl and twisted brass-wire inlay forming chrysanthemum scrolls and floral lattices against black lacquer. As one of the few surviving early Joseon lacquer works employing the rare brass-wire technique, it reflects refined craftsmanship made for elite patrons. Likely used in Buddhist offering ceremonies, it would have supported precious ritual objects such as rolls of sutras or miniature Buddhist statuary.

Artist / MakerKorea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
Datelate 1400s–early 1500s
Culture / OriginKorea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
MediumInlaid abalone shells on black lacquer ground, applied with red lacquer on the interior
Dimensions42.5 x 26.4 x 20.6 cm (16 3/4 x 10 3/8 x 8 1/8 in.)
DepartmentKorean Art
TypeLacquer
About the Artist

Full biography →

Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

Condition

A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.

Shipping & Collection

Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.

Buying at Matchless Pieces

Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.

The Matchless Letter

Sale previews, new discoveries in illumination and miniature, and private-room invitations.