Najeon is one of the most representative forms of Korean traditional crafts known for its
exquisite patterns and illuminating beauty.
This thousand-year-old, traditional heritage is finding itself a part of modern culture.
Let’s see how this movement began.
This is Korea’s first najeon crafts museum opened in Seoul in 2014.
With furniture, everyday items and ornaments, it displays some 300 modern and contemporary
pieces of najeon art created during the Joseon dynasty and after the Japanese occupation.
"The museum owns an array of mother-of-pearl pieces that display the cutting-technique
dating back to the late Joseon dynasty.
Also, it has pieces that were created during the Japanese colonial period, which are lesser-known
to the public.
I believe that’s what distinguishes our collection."
Najeon literally means “mother-of-pearl” in Korean, and the term refers to a traditional
inlaying technique using mother-of-pearl, the iridescent layer that forms the inside
the shells of mollusks.
The museum offers a myriad of najeon pieces, including those with the ten traditional symbols
of longevity, landscape paintings, dragons and plum flowers, causing audiences to stand
in awe of our cultural legacy.
The highlight of the exhibition, however, is “Pebbles.”
It’s a collection of stone-shaped sculptures with lacquered surfaces inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
They shine like bright jewelry.
"The thin slices of mother-of-pearl are pasted onto the curved surfaces of the pebbles, creating
an exquisite beauty."
This piece stays true to traditional techniques and materials, yet displays a striking influence
from contemporary sculpture.
Created by najeon artisan Hwang Sam-yong, it is his modern take on authentic Korean
heritage.
This is Hwang’s studio in Namyangju , Gyeonggi-do Province where he creates all of his masterpieces.
The artisan cuts mother-of-pearl into thin slices, as thin as thread, and then affixes
them to the work surface.
It’s an ancient technique that has long been used to create geometric patterns, texts,
and depth.
"The cutting technique refers to cutting mother-of-pearl into desired patterns and then filling the
blanks.
Also, we have to know exactly what subject will be created in the filling process, like
clouds in the sky, waterfalls, or water waves."
The 0.4mm thick strips of mother-of-pearl cover the curved pebble.
He then adhered the mother-of-pearl to the surface before finally varnishing it with
lacquer.
The whole process is labor-intensive and time-consuming as it takes him some 300 hours just to create
a small piece.
What’s more, it can take over a year for a larger project.
“Pebbles” broke the conventional boundaries of Korean traditional najeon crafts.
How did the artist come up with the piece?
"I combined tradition with modernity for “Pebbles.”
In the past, I focused more on traditional wardrobes, stationery chests, dressing tables,
jewel boxes, and so on, but I wanted to create a piece of art with a modern twist."
Hwang’s artistry is well appreciated overseas as well.
He has created a total of 24 mother-of-pearl pieces to date and 17 of them have been sold
to galleries and collectors in the U.K., Switzerland, France, and the U.S.
"Mother-of-pearl displays its natural color with no artificial process whatsoever.
However, it still presents illuminating and iridescent beauty.
I believe that’s what mesmerizes foreign audiences."
Hwang dedicated his whole life to najeon crafts.
Sadly, traditional crafts are losing popularity in the present era with only a few people
remaining in the field.
That’s why he tries to pass down his skills to as many people as possible.
"Hwang loves teaching his skills, especially to young people.
He never holds back his knowledge."
"My ultimate dream is to create miniatures of Korea’s national treasures like Dabotap
Pagoda, Seokgatap Pagoda, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Sungnyemun Gate.
I’d like to feel the spirit of our ancestors who created beautiful treasures by hand."
Hwang is trying his utmost for the world to treasure the beauty and excellence of both
najeon crafts and Korean traditional culture.
His heartfelt efforts bequeath this wonderful craft art to the world and future generations.
Taking the old to make something new... tradition combined with modernity...
Najeon crafts have entered a historic new phase with contemporary elements.
They are providing direction for the Korean arts and culture industry to help preserve
and develop its heritage.