Ulju Seonbawi Library, Ulsan Intangible Cultural Property 'Byeoru Maker' Yu Gil-hoon Solo Exhibition

Showcasing 15 Stone Inkstones Including Those from Bangudae Petroglyphs

Ulju Seonbawi Library announced on the 5th that it will present the first-ever special exhibition nationwide at a library featuring Ulsan Intangible Cultural Property No. 6 'Inkstone Artisan' Saam Yu Gil-hoon, titled "The Meeting of Stone (石) and Soul (魂)" until the end of this month.

Ulju Seonbawi Library will present the 'Byeoru Jang' Yoo Gil-hoon invitational exhibition until the 30th.

Designated as Ulsan City Intangible Cultural Property No. 6 in 2017, Yu Gil-hoon has been crafting inkstones for over 50 years since apprenticing under Kim In-soo, a master of Sangsan inkstones in Jincheon, Chungbuk.

In pursuit of creating the finest inkstones, he traveled across the country searching for quality inkstone stones and eventually settled in Ulju-gun after discovering Eonyang Rokseok, a stone comparable to the famous Chinese inkstone stone 'Danje-yeon,' at Bangudae in Daegok-ri, Eonyang-eup.

Notably, the Eonyang Rokseok stone used by Yu for inkstone production is the same type of stone as the Bangudae Petroglyphs, which are currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage registration, connecting prehistoric times and the present through artistic spirit.

The inkstones he creates feature diverse patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, bamboo, the ten longevity symbols, grapes, peach blossoms, sun and moon, and landscapes, combining practicality and decorative beauty to hold artistic value. He also produces works with motifs related to Ulsan or Bangudae, contributing to the preservation of local culture.

This exhibition showcases 15 diverse works, starting with an introduction to 'Understanding Ulsan Intangible Cultural Property and Yu Gil-hoon the Inkstone Artisan,' including pieces like ‘Oryongyeon’ symbolizing success, ‘Guyeon’ shaped like a turtle wishing for longevity, ‘Changjakyeon’ in pure Hangul form, and the portable small inkstone ‘Haengyeon.’

Besides the artworks, comparisons between Ulju’s ‘Eonyang Rokseok’ and China’s ‘Danje-yeon’ stones, as well as traditional scholar’s desk tools, are displayed to enhance visitors’ interest and understanding of intangible cultural properties.

Yu Gil-hoon said, “This exhibition was prepared with hopes for the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Daegokcheon to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage,” adding, “I will continue to make the finest inkstones with the wish that Ulsan’s traditional culture is well preserved and does not disappear for future generations.”

A representative of Ulju Seonbawi Library expressed, “We hope this exhibition will be a meaningful time to reflect once again on the value of Ulsan Intangible Cultural Properties, which are the essence of local culture,” and added, “We also offer exhibition explanations and experience programs for group visits such as elementary schools and kindergartens, so we ask for active participation.”

For more details about the exhibition and viewing inquiries, please contact Ulju Seonbawi Library.

Ulju Seonbawi Dogeogwan presents the 'Byeorujang' Yoo Gil-hoon solo exhibition until the 30th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.