Jiseung (지승); formally noyeokgae (노역개)
Hanji, Korean mulberry paper, cut into strips, twisted into tight cords and twined like basketry into vessels, lanterns, shoes, quivers, brush holders and trays. A pair of strips is spun between the hands, each twisted one way and wound around the other; a master holds that one-third of the craft is in making tight, even cords that stand upright when held at the base. Spokes are added or dropped to shape the piece, and twining is pulled so tight that the cords squeak. It began as frugality: trimmed book edges and used papers, even exam scripts and genealogies, became household objects. Lacquered, or finished with fermented persimmon juice or perilla oil, the pieces become waterproof; brides once traveled with a silent, light paper chamber pot.
Risk level: Endangered · Not inscribed
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