[경남人] 천년의 빛, 천년의 고집…장철영 나전장 / KBS 2022.01.18.

[Anchor] Najeon lacquerware, called the jewel of the sea and the art of light, was a representative craft of the Goryeo Dynasty, along with Buddhist paintings and celadon. Among the craftsmen, there is a master craftsman who carries on the tradition of Tongyeong's mother-of-pearl, known for its exceptional quality. Let's meet him at Gyeongnamin. [Report] 'Goryeo Mother-of-Pearl Peony-Arabesque Patterned Chest'. This masterpiece from the Goryeo Dynasty was recreated by master craftsman Jang Cheol-yeong using high-quality Tongyeong mother-of-pearl. ["How did he create such exquisite detail back then?"] Thousands, even tens of thousands of cutting and threading movements. This dedication to tradition creates a brilliance more brilliant than jewels. This is the Paebubang, one of the 12 workshops at Tongjeyeong, which produced mother-of-pearl lacquerware. Mr. Jang Cheol-yeong, a disciple of master craftsman Song Bang-ung, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a master craftsman who carries on the tradition of the Paebubang. This document box recreates his master's work. A tea table combining mother-of-pearl, gold, and silver. Each is made using traditional techniques. [Jang Cheol-yeong/Najeonjang: "This is the sansu skeumeumjil technique, handed down from the 12 workshops of Tongjeyeong. The sharp-pointed mother-of-pearl is cut as is, and each piece is tapped and attached with a sharp knife. It's a technique of inlaying…."] The mother-of-pearl work begins after a cloth is attached to a lacquered wood board, lacquer is applied, and the lacquer is applied and dried repeatedly. The mother-of-pearl is made from natural abalone shells, known for their vibrant color and quality. The najeonjang, who insists on using traditional tools and techniques from the Paebubang, specializes in sansu skeumeumjil. The mother-of-pearl cut into sharp points with a wooden spoon and a wooden plank is distinctly different from machine-cut mother-of-pearl. The sansu skeumeumjil, which utilizes the eye and intuition, is performed with the fingernails and tongue as the best tools. Traditional mother-of-pearl lacquerware (Najeonchilgi) involves over twenty to thirty processes. Instead of using chemical pigments, all materials are handcrafted. ["A work of art must be properly crafted to develop its value and maintain its essence, allowing it to continue its legacy..."] The Najeonchilgi Happy Village School class is in full swing. The students' hands are as serious as those of a master craftsman! [Jang Cheol-yeong/Najeonjang: "I started this because I wanted to teach students about our culture and that we have such wonderful mother-of-pearl crafts in our hometown."] [Lee Hyeon-hee/Principal of Najeonchilgi Happy Village School: "Through the village school, I wanted to introduce them to mother-of-pearl and provide them with an opportunity to consider their future careers."] With the Najeonjang's meticulous guidance, students are able to become more familiar with traditional culture, which they may have previously been unfamiliar with. [Kang Su-min/1st year, Chungmu Girls' Middle School: "I used to play with my younger sibling at home on my phone, but now I can learn about and explore our country's traditional arts and culture outdoors. My grandmother was thrilled, and my family reacted very positively."] [Yang Ha-gyeong/1st year, Chungmu Girls' Middle School: "I learned a lot, and it's great that I've been able to think about my future career path again."] A middle school in Tongyeong. Students are responding enthusiastically to a mother-of-pearl work depicting a crane-winged pattern. This work was created jointly by mother-of-pearl artisan Jang Cheol-yeong and the students. [Jang Gyeong-seon/Teacher, Chungmu Girls' Middle School: "The teacher personally guides the students by carefully teaching them specialized techniques like cutting and creasing, and the children are also very familiar with it."