ALL
jeonju
ICH Elements 3
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Sagyeongjang (Sutra Copying)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Sagyeongjang can refer to either the art of copying Buddhist texts or to the masters of this art. Sutra copying enjoyed its heyday during the Goryeo Dynasty when Buddhism gained widespread popularity. During the reign of King Chungnyeol, the Goryeo court dispatched to China hundreds of Buddhist monks trained in sutra copying. Although sutra copying declined during the Joseon era with the adoption of Confucianism as the governing philosophy, the Buddhist practice lived on with the support of certain royal family members and Buddhist temples. The ink transcription of the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra) from the Unified Silla era, designated National Treasure, is the oldest surviving artifact in Korea testifying to the sutra copying practice. The art of sutra copying is generally comprised of three parts: transcribing text, reproducing byeonsangdo paintings, and decorating the cover with a design of Buddhist figures or plants. It is further divided into 10 different steps: color formation with gold powder, glue making, surface treatment of the paper, paper cutting, connecting paper sheets, line drawing, writing text by hand, drawing byeonsangdo paintings, decorating the cover with a drawing, and treating the cover with gold powder. It demands expert knowledge of calligraphy, Chinese characters, Buddhist theory, and painting. Furthermore, intense concentration over long periods is essential. * Sagyeong (寫經): The practice of transcribing Buddhist scriptures or the resulting transcripts. Sutra copying is intended to disseminate Buddhist texts or cultivate merit. * Byeonsangdo (變相圖): Paintings illustrating the teachings of the Buddha
South Korea -
Sajik Daeje (National Rite to Gods of Earth and Grain)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea In olden days, it was customary for the founder of a kingdom to hold a sacrificial rite for ancestors and then a rite to the deities of earth and grain, praying for a good harvest. Upon founding the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo built Jongmyo Shrine to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sajikdan Altar to the west of the palace to pray for the peace of the people and good harvests. He also erected Sajikan Altars in the provinces. At Sajikdan Altar, mortuary tablets were placed at the north, and altars for deities of earth and grain were placed on the east and the west. A sacrificial rite was held regularly in February and August on the lunar calendar. A rite of praying for rain was held when there was a long spell of drought. Nowadays, the sacrificial rite is held in the following order: Jeonpye (offering silk satin as present), Yeongsillye (greeting the spirits), Choheollye (first obeisance), Aheollye (second obeisance), Jongheollye (last obeisance), Eumbongnye (partaking of sacrificial food), Mangye (burning of ritual paper). Sajik Daeje is an event that features a combination of music, dance, food, robes, and ceremonial utensils used in a formal sacrificial rite. By 1894 (the 31st year of King Gojong’s reign), Sajik Daeje was replaced by a rite named Singwanje. In 1908 (the 2nd year of King Sunjong’s reign), Singwanje was brought to an end. In 1988, Sajik Daeje was restored based on testimony made by the late Yi Eun-pyo, who retained the skill needed for carrying out Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Ancestral Ritual in the Jongmyo Shrine). The rite has since been held by the Sajik Daeje Committee within the Jeonju Yi Clan Association.
South Korea -
Seonjajang (Fan Making)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Seonjajang is the skill of making a traditional fan and a master artisan who holds such skill. In general, Korean fans are divided into two styles: Danseon, i.e. fans with a large, rounded shape, and Jeopseon, or folding fans. Hapjukseon, a type of folding fan exhibiting a high degree of refinement and sophistication, has been one of Korea’s most representative craft products — along with other craft wares made with mother-of-pearl, metal, lacquer and jade — ever since the Goryeo Dynasty. Hapjukseon were made mainly by artisans at the Seonjacheong, the government office responsible for making fans (located in Jeonju, where the Jeolla Provincial Office was situated during the Joseon Dynasty), and were used for diplomatic purposes and foreign trade. Meanwhile, hapjuk were made of double slips of bamboo originating from Damyang in Jeollanam-do Province, the main production site of bamboo in Korea.
South Korea