Lacquer Plate

Park Gang-yong stands as one of Korea’s most prominent lacquer masters and a driving force behind the revival and popularisation of wooden lacquerware in everyday life. Born in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do Province in 1964, Park trained in Seoul under the esteemed master Lee Ui-sik before relocating in 1992 to Namwon, a region long associated with the tradition of wooden lacquerware. Choosing to settle there rather than return to his nearby hometown, he committed himself fully to the lifelong pursuit of lacquer artistry. Although Park began his practice using raw lacquer in the traditional manner, he soon recognised its limitation: raw lacquer cannot withstand temperatures above 60°C, making it impractical for household use beyond monastic or ritual vessels. His craft evolved significantly after learning the techniques of refined lacquer from nationally designated Master Jeong Su-hwa. Heat-treated refined lacquer can endure temperatures exceeding 200°C, allowing it to be used safely for everyday items while also offering a subtler, more elegant sheen and compatibility with a wide range of colours. Through this mastery, Park Gang-yong has expanded both the technical possibilities and the contemporary relevance of Korean lacquerware.