I stumbled upon Hanji earlier this week actually, as I was looking through traditional artwork which was what I initially wanted to do. The way the backing gave the art a certain emotion, a spirit that was uniquely Korean made me realize that this particular type of paper surrounded me my whole life, and yet I knew virtually nothing about it.
Hanji has been an integral part of Korean culture for over a thousand years, with the earliest records dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD). After a perfunctory google search, I discovered that the inception of Hanji dates back to the early historical era of Korea, with some of the first references appearing during the Three Kingdoms period. Scholars generally agree that papermaking techniques were likely introduced to Korea from China around the 3rd century AD, during the Goguryeo dynasty. This period saw the initial adaptation of Chinese papermaking methods, which were then refined to suit local conditions and materials.
Its production flourished during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, when it was used for books, documents, and artworks. The meticulous process of making Hanji, involving the harvesting, boiling, and beating of mulberry bark, followed by the careful layering of the fibers on bamboo screens, showcases the craftsmanship and patience characteristic of Korean artisans. Hanji is renowned for its durability, which is attributed to the long fibers of the mulberry tree. Hanji began to flourish during the Unified Silla period (668–935 AD), as papermaking techniques became more refined and widespread across the Korean peninsula. However, it was during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) that Hanji truly came into its own. The Goryeo period is renowned for the production of high-quality paper that was used not only within Korea but also exported to Japan and other parts of Asia. During this time, Hanji was used extensively for government documents, Buddhist scriptures, and books, indicating its esteemed status in Korean society. The quality and production of Hanji reached its zenith during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), driven by a cultural emphasis on scholarship and the arts, which were heavily supported by the royal court. Hanji was essential in the propagation of Confucian classics and literature, as well as in administrative documentation, reflecting its integral role in both the cultural and daily life of the Korean people.
The paper is known to last for over a thousand years, a testament to its exceptional quality and the alkaline materials used in its production, which prevent decay. Its texture and translucency make it an excellent material for various artistic and practical applications—from window coverings that allow natural light that you can even find in modern-day restaurants to diffuse softly into a room, to its use in traditional lanterns during festivals.
The use of Hanji extends beyond mere functionality. It has been deeply embedded in Korean traditions and daily life. Hanji was traditionally used in the creation of doors and windows in Hanok (traditional Korean houses), which contributed to the aesthetic and environmental aspects of these structures. The paper's ability to regulate humidity and allow for airflow made it an ideal material for such uses in Korea's variable climate.
In the arts, Hanji is a favored medium for calligraphy and painting, valued for its absorbency and texture which enhance the artistic expressions. Moreover, the art of Hanji is not just limited to paper making but also includes crafting objects such as dolls and boxes, and in contemporary times, has been incorporated into fashion and home décor.
Comments
I never knew that traditional Korean paper was such a labor-intensive process. It is amazing that paper can last over a thousand years.