Hanji. The history of the Korean Handmade paper (part 1)

(Korean: 한지)

is the name of traditional handmade paper from Korea.

The main materials that are needed to make Hanji are the mulberry tree (called the Dak tree) and the aibika (Dakpul ). It is pealed and washed with cold and clear water during the winter because water at a very low temperature tightens the fibres. So it improves the quality and prevents the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria.

Jeunghae, well-washed paper is soaked in lye and boiled for around 8 hours to remove impurities

Gohae, the raw materials are placed on a stone and beaten with wooden sticks to lose the fibres.

Haeri, the last process before putting the paper together to flatten out or stick together.

When Hanji paper is created with this traditional process is said to last for 1000 years.

"The lifespan of silk is five hundred years, but the lifespan of Hanji is 1,000 years”.

Indeed Hanji is famous for its durability.

Koreans and Hanji are closely connected and we can see it in many areas of Korean culture and lifestyle.

During the old days, we could see a golden string made of hanji hanging on the house door or gate to prevent negative vibes after childbirth- used to announce the birth and they also make shrouds with Hanji.

We can find Hanji not only in the Art World ...,

but also used in architecture as one of the most natural and pure materials for interior and exterior design in architecture and in fashion, creating textiles and hanji yarns which are popular in Korea and interesting designers around the world.

Hanji is the most beneficial natural and pure choice for the environment in the 21st century.

We will not be able to talk about all the benefits and uses of Hanji in this article so we´ve decided to divide the fascinating world of Hanji into different publications.

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(All the visual content, photography and video, belongs to artist Hon Seong-Nyeo (video), Mia A. Vílchez (photographs) and Love2Arts Gallery who represents both artists worldwide)