Korean Paper Weaving - Jiseung and Hanji

Recently I came across jiseung, which is Korean paper weaving. I must admit I'd never heard of the ancient craft, found it fascinating, and hope you'll enjoy learning about the process as much as I did.

jiseung chamber potchamber pot

Master jiseung weaver, Na Seo Hwan, uses hanji, a handmade paper of pulp from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. Because the making of hanji and the weaving process require intense labor, time, and hand strength, there are very few remaining masters in Korea.

two sheafs of hanji cordshanji cords - rolled and unrolled

Mr. Na weaves hanji cords to form practical, lightweight pots. Sticky rice glue is applied as a waterproofing agent, and the pots can be coated with layers of lacquer made from the sap of the lacquer tree, the vapors of which can be quite poisonous.

three woven hanji chamber pots, two white and one blackexamples: the white pots are coated with sticky rice paste and the black pot is lacquered

Here's a lovely video made by Aimee Lee that shows Na Seo Hwan in action.



Watching the smooth process had me marveling about the experimenting, trials, and tribulations that surely went into perfecting the creation of such beautifully balanced objects.

Another post about Aimee's Korean Paper Art that you might enjoy.

photos: Aimee Lee



Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. Wow Ann....where do you find these amazing artists? He makes the process look effortless though great strength is needed to make these chamber pots.

    they are beautiful
    Cheryl

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  2. OH MY GOSH!

    I've never heard of it either, Ann. These pots are gorgeous. I wouldn't have the patience or talent, lol.

    Thanks for sharing! hugs xo

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  3. At first, I thought it was rope or cord but paper...wow! Humans hands are capable to do absolutely everything. I start wondering if there is a limit!

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  4. that is fascinating. I was impressed with the way he made that look so easy. Obviously a very skilled craftsman. Just amazing and the finished product is beautiful

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  5. That is amazing! And the result are beautiful.

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  6. Amazing! And beautiful, such dedication to keeping an artwork alive with stunning results! Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  7. This is definitely beautiful! I never cease to amaze me with the wonders that can be done with paper and the myriad of techniques exist! Thanks Ann, for sharing your findings with those who follow your blog interesting.

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  8. I want to learn the frist part. Where he twist the paper, does anyone know how to do that?

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  9. Stunning and intricate art in paper and very interesting to watch,thank you

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