SEOUL, May 18(SA)-Seoul Craft Museum is presenting its latest exhibition, "drawings of NAJEONJANG" running from May 16th to July 23rd. The special exhibition unveils the rarely seen materials of modern mother-of-pearl lacquerware - a craft that transforms thinly sliced seashells into decorative elements for lacquered objects and furniture.

This extensive exhibition diverges from previous Najeon lacquerware exhibitions, focusing instead on Najeon Design, serving as the blueprint for creating Najeon works or furniture. Centered around the theme 'Najeon seen through pictures,' the exhibition showcases approximately 60 works and 360 designs by six leading modern and contemporary craftsmen of mother-of-pearl lacquerware in Korea. 

▲ 1. Jeon Seong-gyu mother-of-pearl table (Selected work at the Joseon Art Exhibition in 1937) Mother-of-pearl inkstone boxes and designs. 2. Jooan Song Mother-of-pearl orchid pattern square board and design. Courtesy of Seoul Craf Museum.

The spotlight will be on the works of Bongryong Kim, Juan Song, Bugil Shim, Jongtae Min, and Taehee Kim, masters of Korean intangible mother-of-pearl lacquerware who significantly influenced the advent of 'modern design.' The exhibition will also highlight the works of Jeon Seong-gyu (1880-1940), a trailblazer in the modernization of Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware.

Jeon Seong-gyu was a gifted craftsman and enlightened activist, responsible for pioneering the use of an industrial thread saw in the early 1900s. This innovation allowed for precise cuts of several mother-of-pearl sheets at once, streamlining the process for mass production of mother-of-pearl lacquerware. Kim Bong-ryong, a student of Jeon, won the silver prize at the International Decorative Arts and Modern Industries Exposition in Paris in 1925, elevating the status of Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware globally.

The exhibition also features the works of Song Joo-an, Shim Bu-gil, Min Jong-tae, and Kim Tae-hee, all disciples of Jeon Seong-gyu. They brought distinct and innovative styles to the mother-of-pearl lacquerware, leaving indelible marks on the craft.

▲ Jooan Song Mother-of-pearl Flower and Bird Gate Three-story Jangnong flower and bird pattern. Shim Boo-gil Najeonchil Heungbaemun Door Gap two phoenix bird pattern, box and design. Courtesy of Seoul Craf Museum.

The exhibition will not only display about 60 works and 360 designs by these six artists, but around 40 works and 270 designs will be presented to the public for the first time, offering a unique insight into the creative process of these masters.

To further enrich the experience, the exhibition invites current craftsmen, who were once students of these masters, to candidly share their insights about their teacher's activities, their special crafts, and the education they received.

Kim Soo-jung, Director of the Seoul Craft Museum, expressed hope that the exhibition will offer a deeper understanding of Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware to the visitors. 

"Through this exhibition, we aim to display the intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship that Korean artisans have dedicated their lives to perfecting," Kim said.

Sayart.net

Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com