Description:
- Beautiful rectangular box made of wood with mother-of-pearl inlays on the top lid. Dated 1968.
- The box is made of wood covered with black lacquer on the top of the lid, the base and the edges of the bottom. The inside is lacquered in red and divided into two compartments.
- On the lid there is a design made with mother-of-pearl inlays showing two birds, probably Korean phoenixes, bonghwang, perched on a tree branch with leaves and a beautiful flower.
- The back of the lid has some inscriptions: “The 19th Colombo Plan Consultative Committee Meeting” Seoul Korea. “KYU HAH CHOI – Minister of Foreign Affairs. Republic of Korea. October 1968”. In the centre there is a large stamp surrounded by the following inscription: Planning Prosperity Together.
- The entire inscription seems to refer to a mid-century lacquer and mother-of-pearl craft (Najeonchilgi) produced in South Korea during the 1960s. Choi Kyu-hah was a high-ranking South Korean politician, prime minister and later president. It is possible that a box from this period was a state gift or a piece produced during his administration.
Conservation and Damage:
- The box is in good condition.
- It has small dents and scratches due to age.
- The mother-of-pearl part has a small, almost imperceptible dent. The inside has scratches and areas with some lacquer missing, especially around the edges.
- The object shows wear and tear consistent with it's age.
Comments:
- Both the measurements and the weight are approximate.
- The colours in the photos do not match the actual colours.
- The item for sale is the one shown in the photos. The description is not a detailed account of the item.
- The information provided here is personal opinion and has not been verified.
5336 - RECTANGULAR LACQUERED WOOD AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL BOX...