Korean master’s mother-of-pearl inlay wows Louis Vuitton, Samsung

[Courtesy of JinjooShell]

When one thinks of “najeonchilgi,” the first image that typically comes to mind is the large mother-of-pearl inlay often found in the master bedrooms of rural homes. But JinjooShell, which sells products from traditional najeonchilgi craftsman Lee Young-ok, offers a unique twist. Mobile phone cases, adorned with glossy pieces of abalone shell inlay, have won global recognition by clinching one of the world’s top three design awards, the IF Design Award.

Najeonchilgi, which involves radiantly inlaid pieces of mother-of-pearl, has a history spanning over a millennium in Korea. “Najeon” refers to mother-of-pearl, an organic-inorganic composite material known to form a brilliant inner shell layer. Processed abalone shells are used to create this exquisite craft, while “chilgi” denotes lacquerware.

This accolade has opened doors for JinjooShell, leading to collaboration inquiries from renowned brands. JinjooShell has partnered with global giants such as Samsung, LG, Louis Vuitton, and Starbucks, effectively showcasing the excellence of Korean traditional craftsmanship to the world.

JinjooShell’s ambitions extend beyond recognition and partnerships. The company has ventured into online sales via the Small & Medium Business Distribution Center, which provides a space for customers to experience products created by small business owners while supporting online promotions and sales. The offline showrooms are currently situated at three locations in Seoul: Hannam, Seogyo, and Insa.

JinjooShell established a presence at the Insa branch, which is operated by the Small & Medium Business Distribution Center and the handmade platform idius.