- Exhibition runs from July 28 to November 15, showcasing Incheon’s traditional woodcraft and craftsmanship -

The Songam Art Museum of the Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Chan-dae) announced that it will host the special exhibition “The Artisan’s Breath in the Grain of Wood,” from July 28 to November 15, exploring Incheon’s traditional craftsmanship through the medium of wood.

The exhibition highlights the craftsmanship and dedication embodied in wood while introducing the value of Incheon’s traditional woodworking crafts and intangible cultural heritage to visitors.

Visitors will see a diverse collection of works, including Ganghwa bandaji, Incheon’s signature traditional wooden chest; Buddhist woodcraft, including wooden Buddha statues and floral lattice doors that combine religious devotion with artistic expression; and contemporary works by master artisans who continue these traditions today.

The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first section traces the evolution of wooden crafts, from the practical wooden furniture associated with the ideals of Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty to decorative wooden crafts valued for their artistic appreciation. Featured works include those by Lee Jae-man, a holder of the traditional hwagakjang (ox-horn inlay craft) designation.

The second section presents 17th-century Buddha statues, regarded as masterpieces of Incheon’s Buddhist wood sculpture tradition, alongside works by Lee Bang-ho, a designated master wood sculptor who continues that artistic legacy.

The third section introduces the tradition of dancheong, the decorative painting technique that both protects and beautifies wooden structures, and features works by Jeong Seong-gil, a designated master of dancheong.

An official from the Songam Art Museum said, “We hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to rediscover the spirit of the artisans embodied in wood and the richness of Incheon’s traditional culture. We also hope visitors will take this opportunity to appreciate the enduring value of Korea’s traditional heritage through the traces of time preserved in the wood grain and the artisans’ craftsmanship.”