Korean Tea Coaster

A lacquer-coated wooden tea coaster, beautifully decorated with inlay work featuring traditional Korean motifs. The coasters are black in the center and have a dark reddish hue around it.
The coasters add a festive and elegant touch to any tea setting.

The coaster comes in three different designs.
A) Birds and plum blossom
B) Orchid and butterflies
C) Cranes and cherry blossom

The three coasters are also available in a set and delivered in a Japanese paper gift box:
D) Korean Tea Coaster Set


About the technique - mother of pearl lacquer

"Mother of pearl lacquer" is a decorative technique that combines mother of pearl, the iridescent inner layer of oyster or abalon shells with black lacquerware, a traditional art form using layers of resin to create smooth, glossy surfaces. When the two meet—shell and lacquer—the result is magic: shimmering patterns that catch the light like water and last for many generations.

The roots of this technique trace back to China’s Tang Dynasty, where artisans first began embedding shell into lacquered surfaces. Over time, the craft spread across East Asia, finding a new home in Korea. It flourished during the Goryeo Dynasty, when mother-of-pearl was used to decorate fine celadon and white porcelain. By the Joseon period, the technique had grown even more sophisticated. Korean artisans began applying mother-of-pearl to metal objects, creating richly detailed works that reflected both skill and status.
In the late Joseon era, this glittering craft caught the eye of royalty and nobles, who prized it for its beauty, elegance, and timelessness. The pieces made during this time were some of the most elaborate and refined ever produced—treasures meant to be admired and passed down.

Place of Origin: South Korea

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