▲ This composite photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows this year’s Cheongong Award-winning piece Baekje Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner (L) and the Master Artisan Award-winning piece Jade Samjak Norigae. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Monday that it will hold the 45th "Masterpieces of Traditional Craft Exhibition" from this week, theming “Embracing the Tradition.” 

This year’s exhibition, which showcases over 120 traditional craftworks, will be held from May 16 to 23 at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in cooperation with the Korea Preservation Institution for Cultural Arts and Artisanship (KPICAA).

Three artisans who have contributed significantly to the development of traditional crafts will be awarded the Korea Heritage Service Director’s Award.

Won Gwang-sik, holder of the national intangible cultural heritage title in cast iron, has been selected for the Cheongong Award for his life-size, intricate reproduction of the Baekje Gilt-bronze Incense Burner, considered the finest masterpiece of Baekje metalcraft.

▲ This poster provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) promotes the 45th "Masterpieces of Traditional Craft Exhibition," to be held from May 16-23, 2025, at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in cooperation with the Korea Preservation Institution for Cultural Arts and Artisanship (KPICAA). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

The Master Artisan Award goes to Park Sun-kyung, an instructor in the art of Korean knotting (maedeup), who crafted a samjak norigae (a traditional Korean accessory) by combining bat-patterned jade ornaments with colorful threads.

The Grand Master Award is awarded to Noh Jae-kyung, an instructor from Chungcheongnam-do in the craft of Boryeong Nampo inkstone making, recognized for his finely carved inkstone that highlights delicate craftsmanship.

The opening ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on May 15.

The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge.

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