Core of Calligraphic Culture... Recognized as the Fifth Inkstone Master Item
'Jangsu Nokbanseok Byeoru Master' has been preliminarily designated as a new item of Intangible Heritage of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province as of the 7th.
According to Jangsu County on the 10th, 'Jangsu Nokbanseok Byeoru Master' was designated as an Intangible Heritage of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province by the Intangible Heritage Committee for the following reasons: ▲the traditional inkstone craft techniques are being preserved and handed down, ▲the origin of the raw stone 'Nokbanseok' for the inkstone has been confirmed in areas such as Chimryeongsanseong and Beonam-myeon in Jangsu, which led to its designation.
‘Jangsu Nokbanseok Byeorujang’ has been announced as a new intangible cultural heritage item of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province as of the 7th. Courtesy of Jangsu County
The inkstone, one of the Four Treasures of the Study cherished from the Three Kingdoms period to the present day, is classified according to its material as Toyeon (earthen inkstone), Doyeon (ceramic inkstone), or Seokyeon (stone inkstone).
It is a special tool embodying the spirit of scholars, adorned with various artistic patterns, and depending on the shape, engraved designs, and use, it holds numerous meanings and values, representing a quintessential artwork of Korean calligraphic culture.
'Jangsu Nokbanseok Byeoru Master' has been recognized for its value in North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, a region representative of Korean calligraphic culture, becoming the fifth inkstone master recognized as an item after Ulsan Byeoru Master, Boryeong Nampo Byeoru Production in South Chungcheong, Jasok Byeoru Master in North Chungcheong, and Gyeonggi-do Byeoru Master. In particular, Jangsu Nokbanseok is a type of tremolite, also known as 'Gobdol', characterized by greenish spots of quartz scattered throughout the stone.
It is considered the best-quality stone for inkstone material, and notable relics made from Jangsu Gobdol include the Jinmyosu (Treasure) excavated from the Tomb of King Muryeong in Gongju and the set of bronze swords, molds, and related artifacts (Treasure) found in Galdong, Wanju.
County Mayor Choi Hunsik stated, "We welcome the preliminary designation of Jangsu Nokbanseok Byeoru Master, which embodies the traditional inkstone-making techniques?a core of calligraphic culture?using Nokbanseok, a specialty of Jangsu, as an Intangible Heritage of North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province. We will continue to discover and promote the county's intangible heritage to preserve and strengthen the foundation of our fading traditional culture."
Meanwhile, during the 30-day preliminary designation period, opinions from various sectors will be collected, and the final decision will be made after deliberation by the North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province Intangible Heritage Committee.
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