나전칠기 문화상품의 사례와 발전방향 연구

Abstract

Najeon lacquerware, whose prototype can be traced to the Three Kingdoms period, is considered a cultural product representative of the Korean traditional culture. However, the effort to maintain the high esteem of Najeon lacquerware is facing difficulties due to the decline of the industry, depletion of resources, and lack of diversity. The goal of this study is to pursue a feasible way in which Najeon lacquerware can thrive globally as Korea's representative cultural product while its historicity and traditional beauty remaining intact. To this end, I will examine the origin, history, and the status-quo of Najeon lacquerware, and propose a direction in which it can be developed in the future. I will first specify the definition and dimension of “cultural product.” Then, I will analyze the strength of Najeon lacquerware with a focus on its distinguishing features and history of development in the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, and Joseon periods. I will also conduct a case study for the current industry of Najeon lacquerware, examining how the craft has been transmitted and developed into cultural product by master craftsmen, professional institutions, and private workshops respectively. On the basis of the research, I will propose three actions for the development of Najeon lacquerware: one, to promote new designs embodying regional traits and historical awareness; two, to actively apply various indigenous techniques; three, to build a database of all new experiments in developing Najeon lacquerware as cultural product. In conclusion, the study will emphasize that for a traditional craft to be successfully reborn as a contemporary cultural product, the mere representation and application of its external materials and techniques is not enough, and that a medium to inform the audience of its historical and cultural value is critically important.