Korean Handicrafts: Art in Everyday Life(KOREA ESSENTIALS 20)

Since time immemorial, Korea has developed an outstanding craft culture. Its superior quality can be seen in everything from the beautiful and elaborate golden crowns of the Three Kingdoms era (57 B.C.?A.D. 668) to the astonishing scientific technology of the Unified Silla era's Seokguram Grotto. Even China, the birthplace of celadon, was bewitched by the magical jade greens found in the celadon of Goryeo. Simple yet sophisticated handicrafts handed down from the Joseon era continue to enjoy great popularity today among Koreans and people around the world.

This book was written as an introduction to Korean handicrafts and the manner in which they have captured Korea's unique culture and way of life over the millennia. Its chapters examine the characteristics of these works as well as their history?the most representative pieces handed down from the past, along with the lives of the people who make them.

Introduction 6



Chapter 1

The Qualities of Korean Crafts 10

Naturalism I Elegance and the Artistic Spirit



Chapter 2

A History of Korean Crafts 16

Metal Crafts I WoodworkI Pottery I Modern Korean Handicraft



Chapter 3

A Selection of Korean Crafts 32

Gold Leaf Decoration | Ramie Fabric | Quilting I Shoe Making | Mother-of-Peal

Inlay I Metal Ornaments | Soban | Silver Inlay I Jade Carving | Sedge Weaving |

Bamboo Screens | Windows & Doors | Roof Tiles | Onggi Ware I Bell Casting



Chapter 4

Masters of Craft 76



Chapter 5

Crafts and Patterns 82

People | Animals | Plants | Artifical Patterns | Natural Scenery |

Letters and Characters| Geometric Patterns | Mixed Patterns



Chapter 6

Korean Crafts Today and Tomorrow 94

A Fresh Take on Tradition



Appendix

Information 102



Delving Deeper

Ramie Weaving Process 38

The Artisans of Joseon 81

UNESCO Picks Top Korean Handicrafts 99

서울셀렉션