Najeonjang

Najeon is the decoration technique of adding the pieces of seashells, sea turtle shells, amber or ivory onto wooden objects. It also refers to the skill of cutting luminescent shells into different shapes and dimensions, then inlay them onto wooden objects or furniture and coating them with lacquer. Shells that shines like luminous shells or pearls are to use for Najeon. They make various thickness by grinding them on a shetstone. Also Najeonchilgi is the technique of completing the add of mother-of-pearl and the vanish with lacquer. 

As there are many kinds geometric patterns and there is an expressive freedom to them, they are ideal for showcasing the characteristics of mother-of-pearl. In the case of the "najeon" craft, the cutting technique is used to cut the mother-of-pearl into thin threads and lay it into geometric patterns. One of the unique features of this craft is that regular patterns are used to form geometric shapes, rather than figures.

Natural landscape patterns that resembled works of art were popular from the 18th century onward. This trend seems to have developed through the depiction of patterns based on landscape paintings from that era, or using the Chinese-imported "hwaboryu" (printed paintings) as models.Elements of nature, such as mountains, water, and trees were first portrayed in the "najeon" craft in the first half of the Joseon dynasty and were mostly used as a background for other patterns.Landscapes began to feature as central patterns from the latter half of the Joseon dynasty

After his son, Song Bangung, was discharged from the military in 1965, they founded and ran the Taepyeong Crafts Company in their hometown of Taepyeong-dong, Tongyeong.There were many "najeon" lacquerware workers in Tongyeong in those days, but few were skilled in cutting.In 1979, at the age of 79, the value of Master Song Juan's cutting skill was recognized and designated an National Intangible Cultural Asset to be preserved. However, he passed away two years later, in 1981, at the age of 81.

After 10 years of apprenticeship under Song Juan's teaching, he was given permission to produce his own works of art and take on creative activities.With his background in Song Juan's strict teaching, which did not allow even one millimeter of error, Song Bangung pursued another 10 years of self-teaching and research into artifacts in order to venture into the world of art on his own, and express his own vision.As a result, he received the Presidential Award in the 10th Annual Traditional Craft Competition in 1985. Like his father, he was also recognized as possessing a National Intangible Cultural Asset as the 10th Skilled "Najeonjang," or master lacquerware craftsman, in 1990.