Object
Box with plum blossom design
- Lacquerware with mother-of-pearl inlay
- Joseon dynasty, 18th century
- Collection of National Museum of Korea
This box features the late Joseon dynasty style motifs of flower-and-bird painting (hwajohwa) decorated in mother-of-pearl. Clouds and a pair of birds grace the plum tree branches with intricate detail given to the top-left bird. Symbolizing marital harmony, these birds are accompanied by the winter plum, one of the ‘Three Friends of the Cold Season,’ signifying trust and friendship.
