이재만 국가무형유산 화각장
화형합 세트 화각, 안료 채색 50×20, 40×15, 30×12
이재만 선생님은 국가무형문화재 제109호 화각장 기능보유자이다.
1966년 고 음일천 선생에게 화각 공예를 사사하였고, 화각 공예 전 과정을 숙련하였다.
화각은 쇠뿔을 얇게 갈아 투명하게 만든 후 뒷면에 그림을 그려 목재에 접착하는 전통 공예이다.
주요 작품으로 화각 구절판, 사주함, 서류함 등이 있으며, 전통 문양을 현대적으로 재해석하여 제작한다.
현재 국가무형유산전수교육관에서 후학 양성에 힘쓰며 화각 공예의 전승에 기여하고 있다.
Lee Jae-man
Master of Hwagak Craft, National Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder
Hwahyeong Box Set, Ox Horn Inlay, Pigment Painting, 50 × 20, 40 × 15, 30 × 12 cm
Lee Jae-man is a master of hwagak—the delicate Korean craft of ox horn inlay—and the official holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 109. He first learned the art in 1966 from the late master Eum Il-cheon and went on to master every step of this demanding process.
In hwagak, ox horn is shaved thin and polished until it becomes almost transparent. Artists then paint intricate designs on the back of the horn and carefully apply it to wooden objects, creating a luminous effect that seems to glow from within. Lee’s work ranges from traditional pieces such as nine-section dishes, wedding chests, and document boxes to contemporary interpretations that give new life to age-old patterns.
Today, he teaches at the National Intangible Heritage Training Center, passing on his knowledge to younger generations. Through his artistry and teaching, Lee is helping ensure that the unique beauty of hwagak continues to inspire audiences far into the future.