#  Mother-of-Pearl Workshop: Post-Firing Adornment with Audrey An 

 





 Semester:   Spring 

|

 Year offered:  2025 

 

 

 

   ![covered box adorned with mother of pearl inlay in chrysanthemum pattern](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2024-12/an_trefoil_shaped_covered_box_400x400-3.png?itok=MOPgh8SQ) 

 

**Saturday, April 5th, 2025**  
**10am – 4pm with 1-hour lunch break**  
**Instructor: Audrey An**

In this one-day workshop, participants will delve into the art of Najeonchilgi, an intricate Korean craft combining two Korean words: Najeon (Mother-of-Pearl inlays from thin, processed abalone shells) and Chilgi (lacquerware). The workshop begins with a slide lecture exploring the history and cultural significance of Najeonchilgi, as well as its contemporary adaptations. Participants will learn traditional Najeon cutting techniques as well as modernized methods using laser cutter and epoxy resin as an alternative to lacquer. The hands-on portion will start with a step-by-step demonstration of techniques, applied to small items provided by the instructor, such as rings, keychains, and bookmarks. Once participants are comfortable with the process, they will use their preferred techniques to adorn their own glazed ceramics brought to the workshop, blending tradition in a meaningful, personal way.

### What to bring:

- 1-3 small ceramic works (glazed or unglazed but fired to maturity) with some flat surfaces such as tiles, functional ware with flat areas to apply mother of pearl to. Recommended: Pieces with a white or black background will make those mother-of-pearls pop & bling! :)

**Cost: $175 for Adult Community & Harvard Graduate Students; FREE for Harvard College Undergraduates.**

[Login and Register](https://ofadap.fas.harvard.edu/ords/ofa/r/office-for-the-arts/login)

[Please review our cancellation/refund policy.](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/registration-policies)

### Artist Bio

2022-2024 Ceramics Program Artist In Residence Audrey An’s creative research revolves around the notion of applying digital technologies to ceramics from the perspective of ‘convergence,’ whether it be cultural, technological, or interdisciplinary. She earned her BFA and Art History Minor from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, an MFA from Penn State University, and was a post-baccalaureate student at Colorado State University. Audrey has participated in artist residency programs at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (Deer Isle, ME), Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts (Newcastle, ME) and was selected as Ceramics Monthly 2023 Emerging Artist.

 ![A collage of photos featuring Audrey An and two of her works, an ornate table and tray](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/2024-12/audrey_an_inlay_workshop_-_spring_2025.png)