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Source Description
Since the Goryeo dynasty, Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware has been admired for its refinement, though few early examples survive. This tray, datable to the late 1400s or early 1500s, is exceptional for both rarity and condition. Its foliate form, peony vine motif, and intricate lattice border—originally derived from Goryeo-period decorative arts—are exquisitely reinterpreted through the refined craftsmanship of early Joseon artisans.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
703217
label
Foliate-Shaped Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
core
obj
dtoType
object
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
703217
contentType
object
title
Foliate-Shaped Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
description
Since the Goryeo dynasty, Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware has been admired for its refinement, though few early examples survive. This tray, datable to the late 1400s or early 1500s, is exceptional for both rarity and condition. Its foliate form, peony vine motif, and intricate lattice border—originally derived from Goryeo-period decorative arts—are exquisitely reinterpreted through the refined craftsmanship of early Joseon artisans.
date
late 1400s–early 1500s
citation
rights
CC0
rightsUri
CC0
language
en
genreSpecific
Lacquer
imageCount
1
source
import
dimensionsRaw
width: 44.1 cm (17 3/8 in.)
cul
Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
accession
2026.3
Source extras
tec
Inlaid abalone shells on black lacquer ground, applied with red lacquer on the interior
tombstone
Foliate-Shaped Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, late 1400s–early 1500s. Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Inlaid abalone shells on black lacquer ground, applied with red lacquer on the interior; width: 44.1 cm (17 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Sundry Art - Miscellaneous Fund, 2026.3
collection
Korean Art
didYouKnow
This tray’s intricately decorated surface was created through a labor-intensive inlay technique employing thin, precisely cut abalone shell.
citations
citation
Hwang, Chi-hyŏn 황 지현 and Sadamu Kawada 河 田貞. <em>Korean Lacquerware Inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl: The Everlasting Beauty</em>. First edition. Seoul: National Museum of Korea, 2010.
citation
<em>Korean Lacquer Art: Aesthetic Perfection</em>. Münster, Munich: Museum für Lackkunst; Hirmer Verlag, 2012.
citation
You, Hong June 유홍준. <em>Korean Art History for Everyone</em>. Seoul: Nulwa, 2025.
creditline
Sundry Art - Miscellaneous Fund
updatedAt
2026-06-18 15:03:05.910000
sourceId
703217
dept
Korean Art
coll
Korean Art
med
Inlaid abalone shells on black lacquer ground, applied with red lacquer on the interior
thumbnail_url
image_url
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
photo
mediaId
1c2103e99037e403