- Exhibition Title: The Drawings of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Artisans

- Date: August 21(Thursday) - October 10(Friday), 2025

- Opening Reception: Thursday, August 21, 2025 / 6:00PM-9:00PM

*Opening Register: Reception Register

- Gallery Open Hour: Monday - Friday : 9:00AM - 5:00PM

- Venue: KCCLA Gallery (2nd Floor), 5505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

- Organized by: Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles & Seoul Museum of Craft Art

- Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange

- More information: Tammy Cho at 323-936-3014

A Thousand-Year Tradition: Discovering the Essence of Najeonchilgi Through Design Drawings

The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA, Director Lee Haedon), in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (Director Kim Soo-jeong), proudly presents the special exhibition, The Drawings of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Artisans will take place from August 21st - October 10th, 2025 at the KCCLA Gallery.

This exhibition is designed to introduce American audiences to najeonchilgi, Korea’s representative traditional craft that has flourished for over a thousand years since the Goryeo Dynasty.

It spotlights the works of pioneering artisans who modernized mother-of-pearl lacquerware, as well as contemporary artists who continue this legacy. By focusing on doan (도안)-the design drawings that serve as both the blueprint and the creative foundation of each work-the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the artistic spirit and meticulous craftsmanship behind this heritage art form.

Najeonchilgi is a refined artistic tradition that harmonizes the luminous beauty of inlaid mother-of-pearl with sophisticated lacquer techniques. In 1966, najeonjang (mother-of-pearl inlay artisans) was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea. Today, designated master artisans continue to preserve and transmit this tradition, ensuring its continued relevance and excellence.

*This program was supported by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) as part of "Touring K-Arts" project.