Korean Lacquer Mother of Pearl Vase Temple and Scholars Circa 1920

A highly involved design with a myriad of fine pieces of mother of pear that make up and elaborate landscape design on this black lacquer vase. It has a Chinese design and shape with the dress of the scholars, the boat on the water and the classic vase shape. I believe however that the vase originates from Korea and not China.

 

The vase was made by coating a metal base layer with layers of black lacquer and insetting tiny bits of mother of pearl to create a very detailed design of two figures on the shore of a lakeside surrounded by a temple, trees, mountains and rock outcrops. Waves are visible in the lake and flocks of birds fly overhead. The lacquer has a shine. It contrasts well with the mother of pearl.  

 

The base has a shallow foot that shows wear from movement over the years. The mouth rim is shallow and concave. The interior has more texture than the outside and has not been coated with as many layers of lacquer as the outside.

 

 

6 ½” (16.5 cm) diameter x 9 3/8” (23.7 cm) tall. Weighs 1 lbs 15.6 oz (895 g)

 

 

There are no breaks, chips, cracks, or repairs. The lacquer on the body is generally in good condition.   There is some lacquer losses at the mouth rim, foot rim, and a few light scratches to the lacquer on the body. There are a couple of areas where the lacquer pooled slightly during manufacturer.

 

An artistic, labor-intensive vase with a great classic shape and motif. I can’t imagine setting all of the tiny pieces of mother of pearl.