Artist's Journey

Najeonchilgi, a traditional Korean craft with a history spanning approximately 1,500 years, has been passed down through generations from the Silla and Goryeo periods. Tongyeong, renowned for its craftsmanship, has been the center of najeonchilgi artisanship for centuries.

Yongtae Jeong is an artist who has dedicated several decades to mastering and evolving this traditional craft in Tongyeong. Through his unique works, he blends the intricate beauty of najeonchilgi with the expressive freedom of Western painting, bringing a new dimension to this time-honored art form. Each piece embodies the skill and patience developed over a lifetime of dedication, with every detail reflecting the care and precision that goes into the creative process.

The artworks presented here offer a modern reinterpretation of Korean tradition. Grounded in the traditional techniques of mother-of-pearl inlay, these pieces showcase a harmonious fusion of the ancient and the contemporary.

Yongtae Jeong's works have been exhibited both domestically and internationally, earning recognition for their innovative integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art. His journey as an artist is not only about preserving the past but also exploring new artistic possibilities that push the boundaries of tradition.

정용태 작가 작업 공간에서 나전칠기 작품 작업 중 / Yongtae Jeong working on mother-of-pearl lacquerware in his studio

Discover the Legacy