Aimee Lee

Hanji by masters

Hanji, Korean paper, has a long but often overlooked tradition. This high-quality paper is made from the inner bark of the dak (mulberry) tree, in the countryside where the water supply is clean and abundant. There are many, many stages of papermaking. This video was shot on August 6, 2008 on a site visit to a traditional papermaker who supplies FIDES International with conservation-grade hanji. He has been making paper since he was a teenager, and his is the only surviving mill in a rural village where papermaking used to be plentiful.

Traditional Korean Papermaking by Shin Hyun Seh, with special thanks to Bo Kyung Kim of FIDES International and the U.S. Fulbright Program.
Camera and editing by Aimee Lee
© 2009

Sheet formation comparisons by four hanji masters

A comparative look at four different Korean papermakers, all using the traditional sheet formation style (webal technique): Jang Yong Hoon of Jang Ji Bang in Gapyeong, Shin Hyun Seh of Shin Hyun Seh Traditional Hanji in Uiryeong, Jang Eung Yeoll of Wonju Hanji in Wonju, and Jang Seong Woo of Jang Ji Bang in Gapyeong.

This style of papermaking has become quite rare in Korea but produces a strong, thin sheet with no dominant grain direction.

Special thanks to the papermakers and the U.S. Fulbright Program
Camera and editing by Aimee Lee
© 2009

Hanji screenmaking: tools for Korean papermaking

A brief overview of making bamboo screens necessary for making hanji, Korean handmade paper. Only one master screenmaker remains in Korea, and he provides screens for papermills all over the country. Yu Bae Geun was also a papermaker and is currently Jeolla-do's intangible property holder in screen making.

Jiseung: Paper weaving

The process of cording and weaving hanji (Korean handmade paper) by a master weaver, Na Seo Hwan. He is a 3rd-generation master who learned from his father, who learned from his grandfather. He has also developed a more effective and efficient way of cording paper, which is different from the way most paper weavers work. This ancient paper craft still exists in Korea today but the intense labor, time, and strength required for it means that very few masters remain, and even fewer serious disciples.


	Aimee Lee Paper Native Intelligence Hanji Research Hanji by the artist Hanji by masters Spun Paper Papercuts Performance Printmaking Installation Comics Books Artist Statement C.V. Contact Links Updates / News © 2007-2009 Hanji by masters Hanji, Korean paper, has a long but often overlooked tradition. This high-quality paper is made from the inner bark of the dak (mulberry) tree, in the countryside where the water supply is clean and abundant. There are many, many stages of papermaking. This video was shot on August 6, 2008 on a site visit to a traditional papermaker who supplies FIDES International with conservation-grade hanji. He has been making paper since he was a teenager, and his is the only surviving mill in a rural village where papermaking used to be plentiful. Traditional Korean Papermaking by Shin Hyun Seh, with special thanks to Bo Kyung Kim of FIDES International and the U.S. Fulbright Program. Camera and editing by Aimee Lee © 2009 Sheet formation comparisons by four hanji masters A comparative look at four different Korean papermakers, all using the traditional sheet formation style (webal technique): Jang Yong Hoon of Jang Ji Bang in Gapyeong, Shin Hyun Seh of Shin Hyun Seh Traditional Hanji in Uiryeong, Jang Eung Yeoll of Wonju Hanji in Wonju, and Jang Seong Woo of Jang Ji Bang in Gapyeong. This style of papermaking has become quite rare in Korea but produces a strong, thin sheet with no dominant grain direction. Special thanks to the papermakers and the U.S. Fulbright Program Camera and editing by Aimee Lee © 2009 Hanji screenmaking: tools for Korean papermaking A brief overview of making bamboo screens necessary for making hanji, Korean handmade paper. Only one master screenmaker remains in Korea, and he provides screens for papermills all over the country. Yu Bae Geun was also a papermaker and is currently Jeolla-do's intangible property holder in screen making. Thanks to Professor Ham Hanhee and the U.S. Fulbright Program Camera and editing by Aimee Lee © 2009 Jiseung: Paper weaving The process of cording and weaving hanji (Korean handmade paper) by a master weaver, Na Seo Hwan. He is a 3rd-generation master who learned from his father, who learned from his grandfather. He has also developed a more effective and efficient way of cording paper, which is different from the way most paper weavers work. This ancient paper craft still exists in Korea today but the intense labor, time, and strength required for it means that very few masters remain, and even fewer serious disciples. Special thanks to my teacher, Na Seo Hwan, and the U.S. Fulbright program. Camera and editing by Aimee Lee © 2009