THE USE OF PAPER ON KOREAN FURNITURE.

Hanji (Korean: 한지/韓紙) is the traditional handmade paper from Korea. It is made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree or linden tree (Tilia amurensis) both native to Korea, which helps suspend the individual fibers in water.

Despite being paper, Hanji is extremely tough, waterproof, and versatile. Because of its durability and availability, this paper is also used to cover floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and furniture in traditional Korean houses.

Hanji is waterproofed with bean oil and polished.

On furniture, paper was traditionally used to line the inside of Korean chests during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). These chests were typically used to store clothes, bedding, and other precious items.

It helped protect the stored items from moisture, insects, and mold, and also added a layer of insulation. Moreover, it was believed that the scent of Linden had a calming effect and could repel insects, contributing to the preservation of the chest’s contents.

On old, unrestored chests, book pages and sheets of newspaper were commonly used. Sometimes, dates could provide clues about the age of the piece.

On reproduction and more recent chests, printed wrapping paper was predominant.

During the Joseon Dynasty, some cabinets were constructed with wooden frames covered with paper. Ordinary wood, such as pine, was typically used for the frame, as the wood’s texture was not visible from the outside.

The quality of mulberry paper, made by boiling mulberry tree fibers and stretching them, was excellent. In the case of paper cabinets, layers of used paper were pasted together, covered with a white sheet, and then finished with the application of vegetable oil.

These types of paper cabinets were primarily used by ordinary citizens who could not afford expensive furniture. Due to the relatively low durability of paper cabinets, worn-out or broken ones were often repaired for continued use. These chests and boxes were used for storing clothes, books, and other small items, often stacked on top of one another. Paper chests were mainly used by women for storing clothes, and colored papers were often applied for decoration.

Today, original pieces in their original condition are scarce on the market because they were less durable against wear and tear and proved challenging to maintain.

This unique furniture-making technique is specific to Korea and is not commonly found in China or Japan.

Beside furniture traditional Korean paper was widely used for the confection of smaller boxes used to store various accessories.

OTHER KOREAN ITEMS MADE OUT OF TRADITIONAL PAPER

APPENDIX:

Hanjijang (Korean Paper Making/한지장 韓紙匠)

Hanjijang refers to a craftsman skilled in the art of making traditional paper, hanji, from the bark of mulberry (Broussonetia kazinoki) trees and mulberry paste. Making hanji requires great skill and extensive experience. The process involves collecting mulberry bark, steaming, boiling, drying, peeling, boiling again, beating, mixing, straining, and drying. It is said that 99 processes are required to produce this paper, which is why the final process is also called baekji, meaning “one hundred paper.” During the Goryeo Dynasty, Korean hanji was so renowned that the Chinese referred to the best-quality paper as Goryeoji, literally meaning “Goryeo Paper.” Sun Mu, from the Song Dynasty of China, praised Goryeo paper in his book “Jilin leishi” (Things on Korea), describing it as white, glossy, and lovely.

In the Joseon Dynasty, starting from the time of King Taejong, the state began to oversee paper production by establishing the office called Jojiseo (Paper Manufactory). However, in modern times, changes in architectural styles and housing environments, as well as the import of paper, have led to the virtual disappearance of traditional hanji. Today, due to high production costs, hanji is made using pulp imported from Southeast Asia rather than mulberry bark. To preserve the art of hanji and pass it on to the next generation, the Cultural Heritage Administration has designated hanji making as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Following illustrations: Paper making process.

Lining the inside of a Korean antique chest.

Lining the inside of a Korean antique chest with sheets of linen paper is a delicate process that preserves the chest’s interior while adding a traditional touch. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to line it properly:

Materials:

Hanji paper (linen or mulberry paper). Some mulberry paper can be found on Amazon.

Soft brush (for applying glue)

Rice glue or starch paste (traditional adhesive). Any water-based glue can also be used, Select a transparent glue.

Instructions:

Prepare the surface:

Clean the inside of the chest with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Cut the paper:

Lay the hanji paper on a clean, flat surface. Using the measurements, cut pieces of hanji to fit each section of the chest. Add a small margin (about 1 cm) if you’d like the edges to overlap slightly for a seamless finish.

Prepare the glue:

You can use readily available water-based glue. Ensure the glue is slightly diluted with water (ratio: 2/3 glue, 1/3 water) so it spreads evenly.

Apply the glue:

Use a soft brush to apply the glue evenly to the surface of the chest. Work in small sections to prevent the glue from drying too quickly.

Attach the hanji paper:

Carefully place the cut pieces of hanji onto the glued surface, starting from one edge and gently pressing it down with your fingers.

Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth or your brush, working from the center outwards. You can even apply more glue on top of the paper to eliminate wrinkles and bubbles.

Drying:

Allow the hanji to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it might cause the paper to shrink or discolor.

Final Inspection:

Once the hanji is dry, inspect for any loose edges or bubbles. Smooth these out using additional glue and gently press them down.