By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Cabinetmaker Yang Seung-pil brings a collection of fine woodcraft furniture for the first time in 20 years. Simple, smart and trim, the pieces have a warm, natural glow about them that resembles the artist's kind eyes.
``They're made from trees native to Jeju Island. They embody the rough and rustic yet warm, humble nature of the locals,'' the 54-year-old told The Korea Times.
The furniture, particularly the two and three-tiered chests, look like the Korean traditional type we usually see inlaid with mother-of-pearl. But stripped of the fancy shell decoration, the furniture is classically Korean yet has a touch of modernity found in contemporary Italian furniture.
The pieces are all crafted from cherry, wild cherry and zelkova trees. The three reddish trees grow at a very slow rate in the volcanic soil of Jeju Island, so the wooden grain is very tight and has a hard, durable surface.
With the touch of Yang's hands and a careful firing in the furnace, the raw wood transforms to take on a deeper reddish shade and smooth texture. Yang has dedicated 30 years to the art of woodcraft, and says his life is all about watching this process happen in front of him.
The cabinetmaker must have had a lot to say about his work, but apart from describing the overall steps of putting the pieces together, Yang just smiled silently. But it was a smile that seems to tell it all, the many years in the making of these pieces.
There are some 30 pieces on display, including two and three-tier chests, bookshelves, bedside drawers, small tables and tea trays. Like most Korean traditional woodwork, the furniture is crafted without the use of nails or screws (except for attaching the door hinges). The perfectly cut parts are pieced together with care and precision.
The exhibition runs through Monday. Hakgojae Gallery is located on the main strip of Insa-dong, northern Seoul. The collection is exhibited on the first two floors of the gallery building. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend and until 7 p.m. on weekdays. Call (02) 739-4937.