Mother-of-Pearl Jewelry Box: Pine and Crane Motif on Gold Ground

This piece is chosen by those who understand splendour as a discipline, not as excess.

“A luminous surface holds its brilliance with restraint, never spilling beyond its form.”

This jewellery box is organised around a concealed interior sequence, revealed by releasing the fish-shaped metal clasp.
Upon opening the lid, a velvet-lined stand is first encountered, designed to hold earrings, rings, and smaller personal items in an orderly arrangement.

The stand is not fixed in place. When gently lifted, it reveals a deeper lower compartment beneath, intended for larger valuables that require greater freedom of space.
Inside the lid, a mirror is quietly set, allowing for confirmation and reflection without interrupting the interior’s calm balance.

Across the exterior, finely cut shell pieces are arranged to depict cranes, pine trees, clouds, and the sun, forming a continuous landscape that wraps around the body of the box. In Korean visual tradition, the pine tree symbolises constancy and endurance, while cranes represent longevity and moral clarity. Their pairing has long conveyed an ideal of steadfast life sustained over time.

The shellwork is executed using two distinct types of shell, creating subtle contrast between surfaces rather than overt brilliance. The cranes’ bodies and the sun are gently coloured, introducing warmth and focus within the broader composition. Rather than isolated motifs, the imagery unfolds as a single pictorial field, recalling a panoramic landscape painting viewed in sequence.

Particularly notable is the treatment of the side panels, where pierced shell work is employed. Here, one shell surface is carefully opened according to the intended pattern, and a different shell is cut and fitted precisely into the void. This process demands sustained time and precision, allowing light and colour to shift delicately across layers without disturbing the surface continuity.

The gold ground beneath the shellwork amplifies depth rather than decoration. It does not compete with the imagery, but steadies it, lending the entire surface a composed radiance. Except for the base, every face of the box is treated with this layered shell composition, ensuring visual continuity from all angles.

The result is not an ornamental object seeking attention, but a composed presence—one that reveals its complexity gradually, through handling, return, and sustained looking.

Dimensions

• Width- 19cm (7.48 inch)
• Depth- 14cm (5.5 inch)
• Height- 9cm (3.54 inch)

Related Links

• About Mother of Pearl Art

We ship worldwide. Following are the terms and conditions that constitute our Shipping Policy.

Artinko Products: Care and Authenticity

All information supplied through the Site is for informational purposes regarding the history and care of traditional Korean crafts. While we guarantee 100% authentic materials, Artinko is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling, such as using non-food-safe decorative items for dining or using harsh chemicals on delicate Mother-of-Pearl surfaces.

Section 13: Our Delivery Guarantee

Unlike standard templates, Artinko takes full responsibility for your order until it is safely in your hands. We understand the fragile nature of traditional Korean ceramics and lacquerware. In the rare event that an item is damaged or lost during transit, we will resend the item at no extra cost to you or issue a full refund immediately upon verification of the damage.

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• 14-Day Return Policy: Merchandise can be returned or exchanged within 14 days of receipt if the product has not been opened or used and remains in its original packaging.

• Process: To start a return or report a shipping issue, please contact us at contact@artinko.com.

• Exchanges: We only replace items if they are defective or damaged.

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• All orders are aimed to be processed within 5 days after receipt of payment. Orders are not shipped on weekends and holidays.
• If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. We will contact you by email if there is some delay in shipment of your order.

Shipping rates and delivery estimates

• All orders are shipped by K-Packet, Air mail, EMS, Express Courier (UPS, Fedex, DHL Etc).
• K-Packet shipping is basic shipping service. K-Packet estimated shipping time is 14-21 days, depending on your region. If weight is over 2kg, K-packet service would be converted to Air Mail.
• EMS estimated shipping time is 7-14 days, depending on your region. Please note that Air Mail shipping method may not be available for all countries.
• Express Courier estimated shipping time is 5-10 days.
• Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout.
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Shipment to P.O. boxes

• We do ship to P.O. boxes

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Customs duty

• Please note that your parcel may be subjected to the customs of your country when it arrived in. And the customs duty is the recipient’s responsibility. USA customers only: we pay your customs fee!
• Please note we have no control over these fees. Delivery time may also be delayed if local customs have your package on hold for a long period of time.

If you have problems with delivery, please send us an email to contact@artinko.com