• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.100-115
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• 2023

The modernization of najeonchil, or mother-of-pearl lacquerware, began in the latter era of the Joseon period and started to set in during the phase of industrial development after the Korean War. Especially, the rise and fall of najeonchil during the first half of the 1900s fluctuated more compared to other types of craft. This paper focuses on the production, supply and demand activities of the works by Min Jong-tae, who was born in 1915, began his career in 1929 and devoted 70 years of his life creating najeonchil craft and furniture. As an apprentice under Jeon Sung-gyu, who revived the craft of najeonchil, Min Jong-tae was not only an artisan who ranked alongside Kim Bongryong, Song Juan, Shim Bugil, Kim Taehee, but also a businessman. In particular, Min led the boom of modern najeonchilgi during the 1970s-80s in Seoul, which was the most important market at that time. However, studies about Min Jong-tae are almost non-existence, despite his accomplishments. This study first describes how Min Jong-tae began the craft of najeonchil and early days of his career around the liberation period, then retraced his efforts in building a supply and demand system in the 1950s-60s. Moreover, this paper covers not only his creations of large-scale najeonchil furniture in the advent of an era of 'wardrobe culture' in the 1970s-80s, but also his exported pieces to Japan, including incense boxes and tea containers. In conclusion, this research derives the historical significance of Min Jong-tae's role as an artisan of najeonchil- designated as Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 14 in the field of craft.