Antique Alive Antique Alive is the world’s largest provider of mother of pearl arts and crafts inherited from Goryeo Dynasty, a Korean kingdom established in 918. Antique Alive presents unique mother of pearl accessories, beauty and home decor items created by the traditions lasting 1,000 years. 12th Century Masterpiece This exquisite mother of pearl artwork is believed to have been a cosmetics container used by a noble lady during the Goryeo period (918-1392). The heavily embellished surface, as well as the elaborate shape of the container, is a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Goryeo’s ruling class. It is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Najeon Chilgi made when the art was at its peak. Mother of Pearl Slices Antique Alive artisans use only the iridescent interior lining of shells after grinding and cutting the lining into paper-thin slices. Mother of Pearl Inlay Art: arduous, time-consuming creating process The mothers of pearl slices with designs are delicately jigsaw-cut by skilled artisans. Then the artisan creates smooth wood surface with sandpaper and inlays mother of pearl designs one-by-one onto the surface. After inlaying mother of pearl, the artisan applies the coat of lacquer to the surface and dries it. Produced after an arduous, time-consuming creating process including repeated sanding, drying, gluing, ironing and lacquering made by hand, this hair brush exhibits the amazing craftsmanship and artistry of Korean mother of pearl arts.