Commemorative Stamps Issued for Korea's Leading Trio of Modern Crafts Artists

The Korea Post announced on the 10th that it will issue commemorative stamps featuring the images of three artisans who led the revival of modern Korean crafts.

The commemorative stamps will depict Ipsajang Lee Hak-eung (李鶴應, 1900?1988), Kkeun-eumjang Song Joo-an (宋周安, 1901?1981), and potter Hwang Jong-gu (黃鍾九, 1919?2003).

They are recognized as exemplars who inherited traditional techniques in their respective fields and developed them with a modern sensibility, raising awareness of the value of Korean traditional crafts.

Provided by Korea Post Headquarters

Master Lee Hak-eung was a master of the traditional technique of Ipsa, which involves embedding gold and silver threads into grooves meticulously chiseled on the surface of metal objects. During the Japanese colonial period, he worked at the Yiwangjik Art Studio, preserving traditional crafts. In 1983, he was designated as the holder of the national intangible cultural heritage "No. 78 Ipsajang." He contributed to continuing the legacy of Korean traditional metal crafts. His achievements are still being passed down today.

Master Song Joo-an was a Najeon artisan who expressed the 'Kkeun-eumjil' technique, which involves finely cutting mother-of-pearl to create patterns. Born in Sacheon, Gyeongnam Province, he learned Najeonchil craftsmanship in Tongyeong and was active there. He was praised for his exquisite landscape Kkeun-eumjil skills. In 1979, he was recognized as the holder of the national intangible cultural heritage "No. 54 Kkeun-eumjang."

Master Hwang Jong-gu was a figure who laid the foundation for modern pottery through experimental research and reproduction of traditional ceramics. After studying in Japan, he devoted himself to inheriting and developing traditional pottery. In the 1950s, he contributed to the establishment of the Ewha Womans University Ceramic Research Institute. After being appointed as the university’s first professor, he focused on ceramic research and education through excavations of kiln sites, publishing academic journals, and authoring pottery books. He also developed original patterns and techniques, reinterpreting celadon crafts with a modern sensibility, leading the advancement of Korean pottery.

The commemorative stamps will be available for purchase starting from the 18th of this month at nearby main post offices or through the internet post office. The total issuance volume is 495,000 stamps.

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