(News from 한국우취연합 / Philatelic Federation of Korea) Korea Post is issuing commemorative stamps featuring four master craftsmen recognized by the government for ability to produce National Intangible Cultural Heritage. These artisans worked in traditional crafts for decades and made great contributions to the preservation of Koreas beautiful cultural heritage.
Original English text from 한국우취연합 / Philatelic Federation of Korea website:
Kim Bong-ryong(Jan. 30, 1902 to Sept. 2, 1994) was a master of najeonjang (mother-of-pearl Inlaying), which is National Intangible Cultural Heritage 10. This native of Tongyeong first learned najeon lacquer work at the age of 17 and later acquired new techniques. He soon after became renowned as he won awards at many international and local expositions and exhibitions between 1924 and 1934. His works featured delicately cut mother-of-pearl in bright colors that contrasted with the dark lacquer applied. He added arabesque designs to dragons or phoenixes, giving the traditional method a modern touch.
Kim Jeom-sun (Aug. 2, 1918 to Feb. 5, 2008) was a master craftsperson of Gokseong dolsillai (hemp-weaving of Gokseong), which is National Intangible Cultural Heritage 32. Dolsillai is a process of producing hemp cloth by splitting hemp stalks into strands of thread. Her hometown of Seokgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do has long been known for producing quality hemp cloth. The term dolsillai is a combination of dolsil, the old name of the town, and nai, an old word referring to weaving. Kim Jeom-sun was recognized for her exceptional skill in producing fine threads and exquisite weaving works.
Lee Chi-ho (Oct. 4, 1910 to May 17, 2006, Buddhist name Manbong) was a master craftsman of dancheongjang (ornamental painting), National Intangible Cultural Heritage 48. Under the tutelage of Monk Kim Ye-un, he inherited and developed the styles of traditional Buddhist art since the age of 14. He produced images of Buddha for worship and Buddha paintings for Buddhist education, as well as traditional multicolored paintworks on wooden buildings. His works are distinct in that they incorporate modernistic expression featuring bright colors and auspicious elements on traditional materials.
Cheon Sang-won (Sept. 15, 1926 to Mar. 13, 2003) was a master of somokjang (wood furniture making), which is National Intangible Cultural Heritage 55. Born in Tongyeong, he learned somokjang skill from his father, artisan Cheon Cheol-dong. Cheon Sang-won was particularly skillful in bringing out the natural beauty of the grain of wood when making furniture including chests. He was also widely known for adding a 亞 pattern to his furniture in inlay.
KOREA POST
(Stamp selling agent for overseas customers, via either FAX +822 773 4438 or e-mail at phila@phila.or.kr)
Original Korean text from 한국우취연합 / Philatelic Federation of Korea website:
한국을 빛낸 명장
우정사업본부는 오랜 기간 전통 공예 분야에 종사하며 한국의 아름다운 문화유산의 명맥을 잇는 데 크게 기여한 국가무형문화재 기능 보유자 4인을 선정해 기념우표를 발행한다.김봉룡 나전장(국가무형문화재 제10호, 1902.1.30.~1994.9.2.)은 통영 출신으로 17세에 나전칠기를 배우고 새로운 기술을 익혔다. 1924년부터 1934년까지 세계 박람회 및 국내외 전람회에 출품하여 다수 수상한 경력으로 일찍부터 이름을 떨쳤다. 그는 검은 옻칠과 대비되는 화려한 빛깔을 가진 자개를 섬세하게 오려 작품을 만들었으며, 용이나 봉황 등과 당초무늬를 어우러지게 하여 전통을 현대적으로 발전시키는데 기여했다. 김점순 곡성의 돌실나이(국가무형문화재 제32호, 1918.8.2.~2008.2.5.)는 대마[삼] 줄기를 쪼개어 실을 만들어 삼베를 직조하는 장인이었다. 그녀의 고향인 전남 곡성군 석곡면은 예로부터 삼베로 유명한 곳으로, 돌실나이에서 돌실은 옛 지명이며 나이는 직조의 옛말이다. 그녀는 특히 가늘고 고운베를 짜는 능력이 뛰어났다.
이치호 단청장(법명 만봉스님, 국가무형문화재 제48호,1910.10.4.~2006.5.17.)은 14세부터 김예운 스님의 가르침을 받아 전통시대에 유행한 불교 미술의 양식을 계승하고 발전시킨 불교미술의 대가였다. 그는 예배용 부처를 비롯하여 교화용 불화, 건물의 단청까지 두루 제작하였고, 전통적 소재위에 화려한 색감과 상서로운 의미를 더하여 현대적으로 표현한 것이 특징이다. 천상원 소목장(국가무형문화재 제55호, 1926.9.15.~2001.3.13.)은 통영 출신으로 아버지인 천철동 장인으로부터 기능을 전수받았다. 그는 장롱을 비롯한 가구를 만들 때 나뭇결의 자연스러운 미를 살려내는 기술이 뛰어났다. 특히 상감기법으로 亞자 무늬를 장식하는 솜씨로 유명하였다.
우정사업본부
