Ji-Seung crafts(Paper string crafts) is traditional handicraft of Korea, which is to strip and twist Hanji(Korean traditional paper) to make goods such as straw mat, box of wedding gifts(Ham), bottle, basket, bag, etc. Ji-Seung crafts requires conside...
Ji-Seung crafts(Paper string crafts) is traditional handicraft of Korea, which is to strip and twist Hanji(Korean traditional paper) to make goods such as straw mat, box of wedding gifts(Ham), bottle, basket, bag, etc. Ji-Seung crafts requires considerable time and concentration due to process in addition to weaving, which is to prepare for certain amount of raw materials by twisting Hanji string with hand. Because of the arduous process, it has been difficult to popularize Ji-Seung crafts even though it is an outstanding traditional handicrafts. On the other hand, the elaboration could also be a strength to aim for high value added products by recognizing Ji-Seung crafts as high-quality handicrafts.
Dress made by Ji-Seung crafts, ‘The Life & Foam of an Indigo blue Sea’ is a piece of work created by traditional Ji-Seung crafts, which was tailored by three-dimensional structure to be actually wearable. In an attempt to find proper exhibition place to maximize the visual effect when the model walks in the dress, it was decided to submit for WOW(World of WearableArt Award) Show in New Zealand. It is an international art fashion show held annually in New Zealand and it is known for lively and brilliant imagination by exhibiting wearable work piece without being limited in raw materials. In was first started in 1987 at Nelson, New Zealand and since 2005, it has been convened in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
In WOW Show in 2006, 380 pieces were submitted from 90 nations and among them, 154 pieces were selected for the main stage. Dress made by Ji-Seung crafts, ‘The Life & Foam of an Indigo blue Sea’ was awarded with the 1st prize in international competition.
The purpose of this study is to share my experience to propose the possibility for young craftsmen to appear on the international stage and find the future of new traditional handicrafts.