- 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 Jung), 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.