Mid-Joseon Dynasty najeon chilgi box returns to motherland

Korean Heritage

Published: 13 Jan. 2023, 16:46 Updated: 15 Jan. 2023, 14:07

Mid-Joseon Dynasty najeon chilgi box returns to motherland

A najeon chilgi (lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl) box dating back to the 16th century that recently made its return to Korea. It measures 31 by 46 centimeters (12.2 to 18.1 inches). [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]

A valuable mid-Joseon najeon chilgi, or lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, box made its way back to its motherland from Japan, due to the National Museum of Korea’s supporting organization, Young Friends of The Museum (YFM).

According to the museum, YFM purchased the najeon chilgi box at Sotheby’s auction event last September. A Japanese collector had purchased it in an auction in 1991, but it was up for bidding again after the collector’s passing.

“The returned najeon chilgi is a rare one that dates back to the 16th century,” said Lee Young-jin, a researcher at the museum. “Only four of those from this period exist in the world: Three are owned by the museum and one is at the Tokyo National Museum.”

Lee said najeon chilgi artifacts from the mid Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) are “distinctively different from the ones made during the preceding Goryeo [918-1392] or even late Joseon dynasties," adding that the artifact will play a significant role in helping the museum research more about the najeon chilgi from the era.

A donation ceremony for the returned najeon chilgi was held at the museum on Wednesday.

Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of Hyosung Group, left, and Yoon Sung-yong, director-general of the National Museum of Korea [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA]

Cho Hyun-sang, vice chairman of Hyosung Group, who is one of the founding members of YFM, said that the group is “happy to bring back this beautiful artifact and donate it to the museum,” adding that the group will continue to support the museum in safeguarding, sharing and promoting Korea’s valuable heritages.

Established in 2008 by Cho and other young CEOs of Korean companies, YFM now has about 100 members. So far, YFM helped bring back a number of Korean artifacts from overseas and has been organizing an annual event to help the underprivileged experience the museum.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]