Calligraphy

The word “calligraphy” originated from Greek, “kallos” meaning beauty, “graphein” meaning writing. In Korean culture, calligraphy is not solely the practice of the handwriting technique, it also trains and disciplines the mind. While western – and other middle-eastern – calligraphers used goose and other kinds of carved feathers for centuries, the preferred tool of the Far East has always been the brush. 

At this year’s Festival of Folk Arts, you can learn about calligraphy’s technique and philosophy from Moon Changsuk calligrapher. 

 

 

Jogakbo – Patchwork

Colourful patches, tiny stitches. Korean patchwork (jogakbo) is a centuries old technique that utilizes the inevitable waste product of expensive silk and ramie that is made during the processs of tailoring. In jogakbo, unlike in western patchwork, the handmade stitches are a part of the finished product, be it a wrapping cloth, a parasol, a bag, or a pincushion.

Those who would like to try the art of Jogakbo can learn this sewng technique from Kim Suyeon patchworker.

 

 

Dancheong – decorative colouring on wooden buildings

The literal meaning of the word “dancheong” is “red and green”, but of course it means much more than that. This is what they call the style of painting incorporating the five primary colours, with which they decorate buildings, and which has a double protecting role. Firstly, like all kind of paint, it protects wooden houses from environmental factors, such as weather, pests, and rotting. However, the colours of this Korean paint do much more than that, because each of the colours posses a magical, protective properties, which are responsible for driving away harmful spirits, and emphasising the power of the owner over their estate.