Foliate-Shaped Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Since the Goryeo dynasty, Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware has been admired for its refinement, though few early examples survive. This tray, datable to the late 1400s or early 1500s, is exceptional for both rarity and condition. Its foliate form, peony vine motif, and intricate lattice border—originally derived from Goryeo-period decorative arts—are exquisitely reinterpreted through the refined craftsmanship of early Joseon artisans.
Details
- Palette
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Select a color to find related artworks.
- Dimensions
- width: width 0.441 m
- Department
- Korean Art
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Image provider
- cleveland-museum-of-art
- License
- CC0-1.0
- Credit
- Sundry Art - Miscellaneous Fund
Art Genome Taxonomy
10 tags
Subject Matter
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Flora Both · 96%
The catalog identifies a peony vine motif, and the image shows repeated stems, leaves, and small floral forms across the interior.
Visual Qualities
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Patterns Visual · 99%
Repeated shell elements create a continuous lattice-like border and dense scrolling decoration across the tray’s surfaces.
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Highly Ornamented Visual · 99%
The rim, walls, and interior are extensively covered with repeated shell and botanical ornament.
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Iridescence/Opalescence Visual · 98%
The shell inlay produces visible pearly flashes in pale, rose, green, and violet tones as it reflects light.
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Curvilinear Forms Visual · 96%
The scalloped foliate outline, rounded lobes, and scrolling vines create predominantly flowing, curved contours.
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Shiny/Glossy Visual · 95%
The lacquered ground and polished inlay appear reflective, with strong highlights along the rim and decorated walls.
Time Periods
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Pre-20th Century Art Metadata · 99%
The catalog dates the tray to the late 1400s–early 1500s, placing it firmly before the twentieth century.
Geographic Regions
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Asian Art Metadata · 99%
The Cleveland Museum of Art metadata classifies the object as Korean Art and gives its place of origin as Korea.
Materials
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Inlay Metadata · 99%
The catalog describes abalone shells inlaid into a black lacquer ground with red lacquer applied to the interior.
Tableware, Vessels, and Objects
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Tray Both · 99%
The catalog identifies the work as a tray, and the image shows a shallow object with a broad recessed surface and raised perimeter.
Source & rights
Unknown artist. Foliate-Shaped Tray with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay. Cleveland Museum of Art.