Vintage 1957 Korean Najeonchilgi Black Lacquer Inlay Presentation Smoking Box For Sale

An exceptional and historically significant mid-century Korean Najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl lacquerware) presentation smoking/valet box. Crafted in September 1957, this exquisite rectangular box serves as both a high-end decorative art piece and a fascinating capsule of mid-century diplomatic history.

Artistry & Exterior Design

The exterior features a highly detailed, hand-inlaid abalone shell landscape scene on the lid depicting a traditional East Asian tiered pavilion resting beside a serene body of water with swimming mandarin ducks. On the right, two figures are beautifully detailed—one playing a traditional flute (daegeum). The landscape elements are accented by a gorgeous, shimmering coppery-gold metallic dust lacquered background. The design is framed by repeating geometric diamond-shaped mother-of-pearl accents wrapped around all four side panels, resting securely on four integrated bracket feet.

Interior & Historical Provenance

The interior is designed as a luxury tobacco presentation set, featuring a large storage compartment, a central slot for a matchbox or lighter, and its original, removable solid brass ashtray bowl flanked by delicate inlaid mother-of-pearl butterflies.
The inner lid features a pristine gold-painted presentation inscription detailing its exact origins:
• Commemorative Event: "渡美記念" (Commemoration of Visiting America)
• Exact Historical Date: "4290. 9. 6" — Dated using the traditional Korean Dangi calendar system, which converts precisely to September 6, 1957.
• Presenter: "商經研友會 謹呈" (Respectfully presented by the Commerce and Economics Alumni Association, historically tied to Yonsei University in Seoul).
A remarkably well-preserved, highly collectible piece perfect for collectors of Tobacciana, Asian Art, or mid-century political and academic memorabilia.

• Width: ~ 8.5 inches
• Depth: ~ 4 inches
• Height: ~ 2.25 inches

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