Death of Sangjae Lee, National Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder of 'Wanchojang'

Recently Dedicated to the Production, Preservation, and Transmission of Wanchyo

Lee Sang-jae, holder of the national intangible cultural asset title 'Wanchojang (莞草匠)' for the traditional craft of sedge weaving, passed away on the 24th due to illness at the age of 80.

Wancho is an annual plant of the sedge family that grows in rice paddies or wetlands. It is also called 'Yongsucho,' 'Hyeonwan,' or 'Seokryongcho.' Traditionally, it has been used as the main material for mats, cushions, and small baskets called Songdongi. The sedge is dyed with beautiful colors, its thickness adjusted, and then woven by hand or using tools such as a grinding stone and a mat loom (a frame for weaving mats).

The late Mr. Lee learned techniques such as Nogyeongsojik (露經疏織 - a weaving method where the warp threads are visible on the surface) and Eungyeongmiljik (隱經密織 - a weaving method where the warp threads are not visible) from his grandfather and mother, who also produced wancho. Since 1970, he created various wancho crafts in Busan and other areas, spreading the related skills.

After moving to Ganghwa in 1982, he devoted himself to preserving and passing on the wancho craft until recently. He was recognized as a holder of the national intangible cultural asset Wanchojang in 1996 and received a commendation from Incheon Metropolitan City in 2002. The Cultural Heritage Administration mourned him, stating, "His wife, Yoo Sun-ok, was recognized as a transmission educator in 2004, and together as a couple, they contributed to promoting the cultural heritage value of wancho craft."

He is survived by his wife Yoo Sun-ok and daughter Lee Jeong-mi. The funeral is being held at the Chamsarang Funeral Hall in Incheon, with the burial scheduled for the morning of the 26th.