Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box: Peacock and Peony Motif on Deep Red Hanji Ground

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

“Its richness is deliberate, measured, and held in balance rather than display.”

The red ground carries depth rather than intensity. Neither celebratory nor ornamental, it provides a composed warmth that allows the iridescence of mother-of-pearl to emerge gradually, responding to light and movement with quiet variation.

This jewellery box is organised around a concealed interior sequence, revealed by releasing the butterfly-shaped metal clasp at the front. Upon opening the lid, a velvet-lined stand is first encountered. Designed for earrings, rings, and smaller personal objects, this upper stand offers structure without rigidity, presenting each item with clarity and care.

The stand itself is removable. When gently lifted, it reveals a deeper lower compartment beneath—an open space intended for larger valuables that require fewer constraints. This layered interior is not immediately apparent, encouraging a slower, more attentive interaction with the object.

A mirror is set discreetly inside the lid. Its presence is functional yet restrained, allowing reflection without interrupting the calm continuity of the interior.

Across the exterior, finely cut shell pieces are arranged to depict pine trees, cranes, flowering plants, and drifting forms that read as clouds or terrain. Rather than isolated symbols, the imagery unfolds as a continuous pictorial field, wrapping the box as though it were a single landscape viewed in rotation.

In Korean visual tradition, the pine tree signifies endurance and constancy, while cranes represent longevity and moral clarity. Their pairing suggests a life sustained through balance and time, an ideal quietly embedded within the composition.

Two distinct types of shell are used throughout the surface, creating subtle contrast through texture and iridescence rather than overt brilliance. The cranes’ feathers and surrounding foliage shift in tone as the viewing angle changes, allowing the imagery to appear and recede with movement.

Particularly notable are 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 precisely cut and inlaid into the void. This demanding process requires prolonged concentration and exact alignment, producing depth without disturbing the surface continuity.

Except for the base, every face of the box is treated with this layered shell composition. The red ground beneath does not compete with the imagery; instead, it steadies the surface, lending warmth and cohesion to the overall form.

The result is not an object that seeks immediate attention, but one that reveals its complexity through handling and return—an object whose presence deepens over time rather than announces itself at once.

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.

Returns & Refunds

• 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.

Shipment processing time

• 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.
• Parcels are sent tracked where possible, and you will receive an automated email with a tracking number once your order is processed.

Shipment to P.O. boxes

• We do ship to P.O. boxes

Shipment confirmation and Order tracking

• You will receive a shipment confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has been shipped.

Damages

• We pack our items with extreme care to ensure they survive the journey. In the rare event of damage, contact us immediately with a photo and we will work with you to find a solution.

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.
• 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