Mother-of-Pearl Art Panel: Pair of Horses Motif with Whole Shell Accents, Horizontal Format

A collector who is drawn to vitality held within discipline will recognise the force of this panel.

"Two horses move as though the ground itself had quickened beneath them."

Made by Kim Sang-yoon, this framed mother-of-pearl panel presents a pair of horses in full motion, set against a dark ground that allows the shell’s colour to emerge in measured flashes. As with the other works in the series, the surface is shaped through a balanced meeting of approaches: thinly sliced shell pieces define the grasses, contours, and smaller passages with controlled precision, while larger shell pieces—kept close to their natural contour—give the horses their bodies, allowing each figure to carry a fuller sense of volume and lift. The result is a gentle relief that makes the movement feel immediate without becoming theatrical.

What distinguishes this work is the use of differently coloured shell passages to articulate the two animals. One horse appears in a paler, warmer tone, the other in a deeper brown, so the pair read not as repetition but as rhythm—two separate energies held within one composition. Their forward stride is echoed by the sweep of grass below and the small birds above, creating an image that feels open, quick, and alive.

In Korean visual culture, horse motifs are often associated with vigour and purposeful movement. Here, that symbolism is carried with restraint. The animals are dynamic, yet not wild; animated, yet composed. The panel suggests momentum guided by direction—strength that remains clear-headed.

Framed in warm wood with a linen mount, the work changes with the day’s light. In lower light the horses settle into silhouette and form; under stronger light, the shell briefly opens—golden notes, bronzed tones, cooler flashes in the ground—before returning to shadow.

Dimensions

• Width- 39cm (15.35 inch)
• Depth- 32cm (12.59 inch)
• Height- 4.3cm (1.69 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