Offered for sale is a genuine antique black lacquer box featuring intricate iridescent mother-of-pearl (raden) shell inlay decorations. This specialized decorative art form holds deep historical significance across East Asia, notably flourishing in Korea as Najeonchilgi and in Japan during the Edo and Meiji periods. Traditionally crafted as prized containers for cosmetics, writing implements, or valuable jewelry, these shimmering narrative designs often symbolized longevity, peace, and natural harmony within the home.

The removable lid showcases a finely detailed, hand-cut shell inlay depicting a single perching bird surrounded by flowering plum blossom or cherry branches. The bird is rendered with incised line work detailing its eye, wing feathers, and tail feathers. The composition is framed by a continuous geometric key-fret border along the lid bevels. The lower body panels are decorated with matching inlaid floral sprigs and simple circular accents. Both internal segments feature plain, unadorned black lacquered surface layers. The flat base surface remains entirely unadorned and plain black.

The box remains in stable antique condition. The lacquer finish retains its deep black ground color with typical fine age-craquelure, surface spotting/mottling across the interior panel floor, and light pocket scuffs from handling. The iridescent mother-of-pearl elements are well-seated with highly visible color play, though some micro-fissures are present across the shell segments due to natural material shrinkage over time. Small, isolated losses are present on the thin shell elements along the raised geometric key-fret border edge. Notable lacquer chipping, edge flaking, and structural wear to the foundational wood matrix are visible along multiple interior rim borders and corner edges. The exterior underside shows numerous surface scuffs, shallow linear scratches, tiny circular dings, and localized pinpoint losses to the lacquer layer. The structural wood frame remains secure.

I am not an appraiser. All identifications regarding maker, materials, historical style, date, culture, and naming conventions are research-based opinions made entirely in good faith using the visible features of the item. Buyers are kindly encouraged to review all photographs carefully, do their own due diligence, and come to their own conclusions prior to bidding or purchase.