Jakae Mother of Pearl Art: Korean Traditional Craftsmanship
Introduction to Traditional Jakae Mother of Pearl Art
Jakae mother of pearl art represents one of Korea’s most treasured traditional crafts. Dating back centuries, this exquisite technique transforms ordinary seashells into luminous decorative elements. Korean artisans process the inner shells of abalone, pearl oysters, and conch to extreme thinness, then delicately inlay these mother of pearl pieces onto surfaces of wood, lacquer, and stone. Koreans also call this craft najeonchilgi (螺鈿漆器), while “jakae” represents the pure Korean word for the shells used in this artform.
The Luminous Beauty of Jakae Shell Inlay Art
Above all, jakae mother of pearl art captivates viewers with its ever-changing colors and luster that shift with angle and light. Indeed, seashells form over years beneath the ocean, yet they reveal their hidden splendor only through a skilled artisan’s touch. Moreover, each fragment of mother of pearl jakae captures and transforms ambient light, consequently creating different hues and shadows moment by moment. This iridescent quality makes traditional jakae shell art instantly recognizable and highly prized by collectors worldwide.
For stunning examples of how light interacts with jakae, visit the National Museum of Korea’s traditional craft gallery.
Precious Materials and Exquisite Mother of Pearl Techniques
Firstly, the value of jakae mother of pearl craftsmanship stems partly from its scarcity. Specifically, from 100kg of abalone, artisans harvest merely 7kg of jakae. Additionally, not all abalone serve artistic purposes well. Within Korea, therefore, craftspeople prize abalone from Tongyeong in Gyeongnam Province and Yeosu on the southern coast as premium materials for traditional mother of pearl inlay.
Secondly, jakae shell art involves numerous meticulous processes, including bakpae (shell-thinning), juleum-jil (cutting with fine saws), kkeuneum-jil (precise incision), and lacquering. Even small pieces require more than 2,000 sandpaper polishings. Consequently, mother of pearl artisans often spend months or even years completing a single work. This extraordinary dedication to craft explains why authentic jakae pieces command such respect in the world of fine art.
Learn more about traditional Korean crafts in our article on Traditional Korean Handicrafts and Their Modern Applications.
History of Mother of Pearl Art and Tradition of Korean Shell Inlay Craftsmanship
Historically, Koreans have practiced jakae mother of pearl art since the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Subsequently, it flourished during the Joseon period (1392-1910). In those times, mother of pearl jakae adorned royal chambers, noble households, heirloom furniture, and ceremonial objects. Thus, traditional shell inlay transcended mere decoration to symbolize refinement and status. The distinctive shimmer of jakae mother of pearl work made it instantly recognizable as a symbol of prestige throughout Korean history.
Timeless Iridescent Beauty: The Values of Kisae’s Mother of Pearl Art
Today, Kisae draws inspiration from this rich heritage of jakae mother of pearl art. Hence, we combine traditional techniques with sophisticated modern sensibilities. On one hand, we craft our mother of pearl pieces with the same meticulous patience as past masterpieces. On the other hand, we design for contemporary spaces—homes, offices, and studios where identity and authenticity matter profoundly.
In essence, a Kisae mother of pearl nameplate transcends being a mere marker. Rather, it serves as a silent ambassador of your values, narrative, and place in the world. Furthermore, it transforms spaces—a desk, a shelf, or a room corner—into personal reflections, thereby anchoring the space with quiet strength. The jakae shell inlays create a living surface that responds to changing light throughout the day.
This constant, subtle transformation mirrors the living essence of both tradition and identity: never static, always evolving. By reviving traditional jakae techniques through a contemporary lens, Kisae aims not to preserve the past like amber. Instead, we extend its life into new forms and contexts.
Finally, Kisae invites a new generation to experience heritage not as a relic, but as living, luminous art. Ultimately, this mother of pearl artistry speaks to our need for beauty, meaning, and connection—art rooted in tradition, refined for today, yet created to inspire tomorrow.
Rooted in tradition.
Refined for today.
Created to inspire tomorrow.
Related Mother of Pearl Art Resources
- Traditional Korean Mother of Pearl Handicrafts and Their Modern Applications
- Collecting and Preserving Antique Jakae Artworks
- From Sea to Surface: The Journey of Mother of Pearl in Korean Art
This article about jakae mother of pearl art was last updated on May 20, 2025. For more information about Korean traditional crafts, visit the Korea Craft & Design Foundation. Explore our introduction to jakae or learn about the exquisite materials used in this timeless art form.