Exhibition shows Tongyeong's craftsmanship

Metal ornaments created by artist Kim Deok-yong / Courtesy of Tongyeong City Museum

By Chung Ah-young

Often referred to as the “Naples of Korea,” Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province has many factors making it an attractive tourist destination. Besides its breathtaking scenery by the sea, the city holds a great legacy of producing high-quality craftworks from ancient times.

To introduce Tongyeong’s specialties and its history, the Tongyeong City Museum is holding a joint exhibition titled “Tongyeong: Shine with Masterpieces,” displaying more than 230 items with the National Folk Museum of Korea through Aug. 7. The exhibition is part of the K-Museum Series launched by the National Folk Museum of Korea to promote various native cultures in provincial areas.

A “gat” or a traditional Korean hat made by the late master Kim Bong-joo / Courtesy of the Tongyeong City Museum

Tongyeong used to have “Samdosuguntongjeyeong,” the headquarters of three provincial naval forces in the southern part of the nation, which was established when Japan invaded Korea in 1592.

To boost the regional economy, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the commander of the headquarters, set up craft workshops on the island of Hansando. Then, 12 workshops, including “ipjabang,” which produced horsehair hats; “somokbang,” wooden furniture and stationery items; and “yangjabang,” cast-iron items, were moved to Tongyeong. At these workshops, deft craftsmen produced the high-quality military supplies and household items for local residents, and provided tribute gifts for the court.

“The name Tongyeong was synonymous with the finest quality in handicrafts at that time. The exhibition will shed light on the forgotten values from Tongyeong,” the Tongyeong City Museum said in a statement.

A “najeon” (nacre) box from the late Joseon Kingdom era (1392-1910) is on display at the Tongyeong City Museum in South Gyeongsang Province through Aug. 7 in association with the National Folk Museum of Korea. / Courtesy of Tongyeong City Museum

The region is renowned for producing handicraft masterpieces such as “najeonchilgi” or lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearls and “soban” or small dining tables and “gat,” or traditional men’s headgear.

The first part of the exhibition titled “Craftwork of Tongyeong in History” shows how the region became a hub of handicrafts which were provided to the court, as well as military supplies such as quivers, arrows and bows.

The second part “Craftwork of Tongyeong in Everyday Life” presents daily items, such as hats, small dining tables, cabinets and chests. The craftworks produced there came to bear the city’s name such as “Tongyeong hats” or “Tongyeong lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearls.” The tables from Tongyeong feature flamboyant designs using pieces of the mother-of-pearls produced from the region for its multi-shade, lustrous shells.

The third part “Craftwork of Tongyeong in Memories” displays the time-honored products which have been handed down from generation to generation. The section shows the collectors who were born and grew up in Tongyeong and have cherished the treasures passed down through families.

The Tongyeong City Museum will hold a side exhibition to showcase the artworks made by Tongyeong masters such as Chung Choon-mo who was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 4 and Song Bang-woong who was named as the Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 10.