The National Folk Museum of Korea, Paju is holding its third open storage exhibition, Najeon, Glimmer & Shine , which explores the possibilities of opening, sharing, and using the open storage collection.

Najeon is a decoration technique that uses mother-of-pearl from the shell of abalones, conchs, and the like to create patterns on lacquerware. Najeon, with its mysterious, sparkling colors, has long been prized and loved for its delicacy and profound beauty.

Najeonchilgi, a representative craft of the Goryeo Dynasty, continued into the Joseon Dynasty, it not only diversified in types but its use also expanded from the royal family to the civilian population.

Najeon can be found on everything from boxes and furniture to tray-tables and pillow ends, adding a touch of sparkle to every part of our lives.

Focusing on the themes of “Practicality and Decoration–Talent and Craftsmanship–Sharing Memories”, the exhibition presents najeonchilgi from the Joseon Dynasty, as well as contemporary craft works by artisans who continue the tradition, and those that add new interpretations and aesthetics to traditional materials and techniques. We would like to share the memories intertwined with these mother-of-pearl closets, whose various forms have shone brightly in our homes and daily life.

As you explore the diverse patterns, various formative beauty, and new interpretations and expressions of mother-of-pearl, we hope you will have a time reflecting on its unique shining beauty and value.

In addition, we hope that the various folklore materials of the National Folk Museum of Korea can have a meaningful “use” in every nook and cranny of our lives.