Kim Bong-ryong Explores the World of Najeon Craftsmanship

National Intangible Heritage Center Hosts Exhibition 'Nature Painted with Najeon, Kim Bong-ryong'

The Cultural Heritage Administration's National Intangible Heritage Center is holding an exhibition titled "Nature Painted with Najeon (螺鈿), Kim Bong-ryong (金奉龍)" in the central hall of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Memorial Hall at the National Intangible Heritage Center until August 8.

Kim Bong-ryong (1902?1994) was a craftsman recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Property Najeonjang (mother-of-pearl inlay artisan) in 1966. He introduced an industrial saw to delicately advance the technique of jul-eumjil (cutting thinly sliced shells into shapes to make mother-of-pearl). He expanded the design scope and enhanced artistic value through exchanges with contemporary artists. He founded the Tongyeong Najeon Lacquerware Workshop (1963) and Wonju Lacquerware Workshop (1970), training many Najeon artisans.

Kim Bong-ryong inherited the traditions of Goryeo and Joseon dynasty Najeon crafts and suggested directions for the future of Najeon craft. He modernized the craft by expanding its domain from everyday tools to individual artistic works.

This exhibition features Najeon works such as vases densely decorated with phoenix and vine patterns, and round-shaped sang (床, traditional low tables), as well as the tools he left behind, finely jul-eumjil mother-of-pearl pieces, and about 1,000 design sheets. Photographs capturing his working process during his lifetime and a documentary featuring his family are also screened. A representative from the National Intangible Heritage Center explained, "Visitors can explore not only the artworks but also the long and challenging production process, the delicate jul-eumjil technique, and various tools all at once."

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