Seong-Geun Yang

Artist Yang Seong-geun, recipient of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 10, Mother-of-Pearl Inlay.

Born in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, he naturally entered the world of mother-of-pearl lacquerware under the influence of his father, Yang Jun-hyeong, a lacquer artist. He subsequently mastered traditional techniques while studying under Master Song Bang-ung, National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 10. After graduating from the National University of Traditional Culture, he moved to Japan, where he completed a research program at the Tokyo University of the Arts and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the same university.
The artist's primary material is mother-of-pearl. He constructs patterns by cutting thin, delicate pieces or creates three-dimensional textures by carving thick ones. He adds various techniques, such as metal powder, coloring, and lacquer, to emphasize the depth and light of his works. In particular, focusing on the property of lacquer to permeate materials and adhere firmly, he realizes free forms by allowing lacquer to soak into fabric and then hardening it. While grounded in the techniques of traditional mother-of-pearl lacquerware, this working method reveals a modern sculptural sensibility, delicately capturing the materiality and the passage of time inherent in the materials within the artwork.

[Key Profile]

2026　Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquer Art) / Master's Admission
2024　Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquerware) / Research Student
2023　Tokyo University of the Arts / Graduate School of Fine Arts, Craft Major (Lacquerware) / Exchange Student
Graduated from Korea National University of Traditional Culture in 2023 (Department of Traditional Arts and Crafts)

[Exhibition]

2023　Korea National University of Traditional Culture 20th Graduation Exhibition
2022　Masters and Future Masters
2022　Two Rabbits (Korea National University of Traditional Arts)
2015　National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master Special Event
2015　National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master Public Event
2014　National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master Public Event
2014　MBC Child Abuse Fundraising Contemporary Craft Exhibition
2014　Tongyeong City 'Mother-of-Pearl Embraces Music'‘
2013　National Intangible Cultural Heritage Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Master Public Event
2013　Tongyeong City 'Mother-of-Pearl, Embracing the Sea'‘

[Premier]

2017　42nd Korea Traditional Craft Exhibition Encouragement Award
2017　13th Traditional Art Craft Contest Excellence Award
2015　Honorable Mention at the 40th Korea Traditional Craft Exhibition
2014　Honorable Mention at the 44th Gyeongsangnam-do Craft Exhibition
2009　Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Silver Medal
2007　Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Silver Medal
2006　Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Gold Medal
2006　Wonju City 5th Korea Lacquerware Craft Exhibition Honorable Mention
2005　Jeollanam-do Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Skills Competition Bronze Meditation
2005　Wonju City 4th Korea Lacquerware Craft Exhibition Special Prize
2005　Honorable Mention at the 8th World Peace Art Exhibition
2004　Wonju City 3rd Korea Lacquerware Craft Exhibition Honorable Mention
2003　Special Prize at the 6th World Peace Art Exhibition
2003　Wonju City 2nd Korea Lacquerware Craft Exhibition Honorable Mention