루브르 종이전쟁 EP.4 | 세계인의 시각으로 보는 '한지'의 우수성 | The special story about Hanji(ENG SUB) | feat.배두나

Summary

The video explores the use of hanji, traditional Korean paper, in art restoration, particularly at the Louvre Museum. Hanji's unique qualities—delicacy, durability, and eco-friendly production—make it ideal for preserving Western artworks. The script highlights how hanji was applied to restore various historical pieces, including a self-portrait by Jacob Toorenvliet and 'The Tennis Court Oath' by Jacques-Louis David. Through examples like an 18th-century desk and artworks exposed to damaging inks, the video demonstrates how hanji plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and restoring fragile, aged works.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Louvre expressed interest in hanji, traditional Korean paper, as early as 2008-2009, recognizing its value for art preservation.
• 🎓 A student named Kim Min-jung, studying preservation techniques in France, introduced hanji to the Louvre through his connections.
• 🌿 The papermaking process of hanji is eco-friendly and uses no chemicals, making it appealing for restoration experts like Ariane de La Chapelle at the Louvre.
• 📜 Hanji's delicate yet durable qualities offer unique possibilities for the restoration of Western artworks, especially those requiring stability and support.
• 🇰🇷 Goryeo paper, a type of hanji, uses a unique sieving technique specific to Korea, which contributes to its strength and quality, making it invaluable for restoration.
• 🖼️ Hanji has been used in the restoration of several notable artworks at the Louvre, including paintings on parchment and antique furniture.
• 💪 Hanji’s durability is due to its long fibers that crisscross, creating a strong and flexible support structure suitable for art restoration.
• 👩‍🎨 Artists and restorers like Anna Gabrielli value hanji for its ability to restore and reinforce artworks without altering the original material’s appearance.
• 🖌️ Hanji has been successfully used in restoring delicate pieces like Antoine-Jean Gros's “Alexander and Bucephalus” and Jacques-Louis David’s “The Tennis Court Oath.”
• 🖼️ The application of hanji in art restoration respects the original material while providing necessary reinforcement, ensuring the preservation of both historical and contemporary works.

Q & A

What sparked the Louvre's interest in hanji paper for restoration purposes?

The Louvre became interested in hanji paper when Kim Min-jung, a student studying preservation techniques in France, introduced it to the museum. He was well-acquainted with Ariane de La Chapelle from the Louvre, who, after observing the nature-friendly, chemical-free papermaking process, saw potential in hanji for artwork restoration.

Why is hanji considered a superior material for artwork restoration?

Hanji is valued for its durability, flexibility, and delicacy. The fibers in hanji crisscross and layer in different directions, making the paper both strong and stable. These qualities are essential in restoring fragile works of art without causing further damage.

What is unique about the Goryeo paper, also called Oebal Hanji, and its method of production?

Goryeo paper, or Oebal Hanji, is produced using a special Korean technique where the screen is shaken side to side during the papermaking process. This causes the water to flow off in all directions, allowing fibers to evenly settle and accumulate on the screen, resulting in a highly durable paper that doesn’t clump.

How has hanji been used in the restoration of Western artworks at the Louvre?

Hanji has been used in several key restorations at the Louvre. For example, it was used to reinforce the delicate parchment of Jacob Toorenvliet’s self-portrait and to fill cracks in a fragile ink drawing, 'Alexander and Bucephalus' by Antoine-Jean Gros. Its durability and flexibility make it a perfect material for reinforcing fragile areas without altering the original work.

What role did hanji play in the restoration of 3D artworks at the Louvre?

Hanji was used to restore 3D artworks like an 18th-century desk, where it was applied inside the structure to preserve a turtle-shaped decoration around the lock. This successful restoration helped bring more recognition to hanji's capabilities in both 2D and 3D art restoration.

Why is hanji particularly well-suited for reinforcing fragile artworks such as those made with parchment or ink from the Middle Ages?

Hanji is well-suited for fragile artworks because it is delicate, flexible, and durable. These properties allow it to reinforce damaged or deformed pieces, such as parchment or ink-based works, without adding noticeable alterations to the original. Its ability to strengthen fragile materials without clumping or becoming conspicuous makes it ideal for historical restorations.

How does the restoration process involving hanji respect the integrity of the original artworks?

Restoration with hanji respects the integrity of the original artworks by reinforcing them without making obvious changes. The goal of restoration is to strengthen and preserve the work while maintaining its original appearance, ensuring that the traces of time and the artist's intent are preserved.

What are some challenges faced in restoring artworks with materials like hanji?

One challenge in restoring artworks with hanji is ensuring that the restored areas blend seamlessly with the original. The restoration must be subtle and invisible to the naked eye while reinforcing fragile or damaged parts. Additionally, materials like Middle Age ink, which deteriorate over time, present ongoing challenges as they cannot be completely restored but only temporarily preserved.

How did the use of hanji in artwork restoration gain broader recognition after its initial introduction at the Louvre?

Hanji gained broader recognition after its successful use in the restoration of various artworks, including the restoration of a desk presented during the Korea-France summit. This restoration, which impressed the then-first lady Kim Jung-sook, highlighted hanji’s versatility and further expanded its recognition in both traditional and contemporary art restoration.

Why is hanji considered compatible with Western paper in the restoration of delicate artworks?

Hanji is compatible with Western paper because its delicate and flexible nature allows it to merge seamlessly with fragile and often deformed Western paper without causing further damage. Its long, crisscrossing fibers strengthen the artwork while preserving the original material’s integrity, making it a preferred choice in Western art restoration.