Chung-Hyu Lim

‘Master Craftsman of Korea recognized for 'patience'

Master Im strictly adheres to the old methods of mother-of-pearl lacquerware, which creates enchanting landscapes through countless processes of applying, drying, and stripping off lacquer, as well as hundreds or tens of thousands of touches.
“The life of mother-of-pearl lacquerware lies in the lacquer. For hemp-clad pieces, it must be applied twelve or thirteen times, while for transparent lacquer that brings out the wood grain, it must be applied about twenty times.” For him, there is no room for shortcuts or half-heartedness.

Thanks to this tenacity, he became a Grand Master of the Republic of Korea in the field of lacquerware in November 2004. In addition to winning the Cultural Heritage Administration Director's Award at the 28th Traditional Craft Exhibition and the Gold Medal at the Korea Lacquerware Exhibition,
His true worth is being recognized, including being appointed as a top master by the Korean Masters Association.

2004　Republic of Korea Master Craftsman No. 384 1994–Present Representative of Master Craftsman Lacquerware and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Research Institute
2024　Commendation from the Minister of Labor of the Republic of Korea
2018　Seoul City Cultural Award Cultural Heritage Category
2018　Commendation from the Minister of Labor of the Republic of Korea
2015　Republic of Korea Prime Minister's Commendation

[Display]

November 2025　[Tokyo, Japan] A Thousand Years of Light Embracing History: Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Painting Exhibition, Gallery Mi, Korean Cultural Center in Japan
April 2024　 Im Chung-hyu Solo Exhibition Yongsan Craft Museum
August 2018　Cheongwadae Sarangchae Art Exhibition
April 2018　[Italy] 'Korean Crafts: Tradition and Innovation 2018' Milan Design Week Exhibition
September 2017　[Italy] 'Mother-of-Pearl and Lacquer, The Light of a Thousand Years – Illuminating Italy' 33-Artist Exhibition