Mother-of-Pearl Folding Screen: Peacock Motif on Abalone

“Where iridescent wings open into a quiet, shimmering night.”

This three-panel folding screen unfolds like a nocturnal garden—its surface layered with luminous shellwork that shifts gently from violet to deep ocean blue. At the centre rests a magnificent peacock, its sweeping tail rendered with hundreds of hand-cut mother-of-pearl pieces that shimmer with greens, golds, and soft rose tones. Each feather catches the light differently, giving the bird a lifelike presence, as if pausing mid-movement beneath a moonlit sky.

Butterflies drift across the panels, their wings formed from small shell fragments that glow with quiet iridescence. Around them, generous peonies bloom in pale white, lavender, and soft coral tones, anchoring the composition with a sense of fullness and calm beauty. The deep blue abalone background—known as cheongpae—creates a celestial atmosphere, reminiscent of twilight clouds or a still lake reflecting the last light of day.

Along the borders, a refined vine-and-scroll pattern forms a delicate frame, balancing the richness of the interior scene with a sense of measured elegance. The screen’s proportions, combined with the rhythmic flow of colour, allow the work to read like a miniature tableau: intimate, detailed, and quietly majestic.

This piece is crafted for collectors who appreciate both rarity and artistry. Its intricate shellwork, layered textures, and vivid yet controlled colour palette reveal hours of expert hand-cutting and placement. When set upon a tabletop, console, or study shelf, the panels invite close observation, rewarding the viewer with new colours and reflections as the light changes throughout the day.

More than a decorative object, this folding screen behaves almost like a living work of art—glowing differently at dawn, at midday, and under evening lamps. In a quiet room, it becomes a small theatre of movement and stillness, offering a moment of beauty and contemplation to anyone who pauses before it.

Dimension

• Middle Part
  Width- 30cm (11.82 inch)
  Depth- 1.5cm (0.59 inch)
  Height- 35cm (13.18 inch)
• Two side parts
  Width- 9cm (3.54 inch)
  Depth- 1.5cm (0.59 inch)
  Height- 35cm (13.18 inch)
• Total 
  Width- 48cm (18.9 inch)
  Depth- 1.5cm (0.59 inch)
  Height- 35cm (13.18 inch)

Related Links

• About Mother of Pearl Art
• About Folding Screen 

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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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