Object

Document box with grapevines design
  • Lacquerware with mother-of-pearl inlay
  • Joseon dynasty, 18th century
  • Collection of National Museum of Korea
This document box from the Gyeonggi-do region features a unique design, where the lid opens two-thirds of the way. The intricate mother-of-pearl decorations depicting grapes and small bees resemble brush paintings. The shallow lacquer application gives it a distinctive brownish hue, a characteristic of traditional Korean lacquerware that favors natural aesthetics.