The reason for this is that bamboo harvested during the summer is prone to pest infestations.
Once cut down, the bamboo is stored and loaded for natural drying. The duration lasts at least 5 years.
Bamboo that is not dried well enough can result in a change in color or shape during the crafting process, and when used for the Jukjang method, there is a higher chance the bamboo might fall off.
That is why Artisan Choe Seonhui dries the bamboo naturally for as long as possible to rid the bamboo of its natural elements before using it for crafts.
Bamboo that is not dried enough is actually easier to process and manufacture.
Although well-dried bamboo is harder to work with, it is more consistent in color and glossiness than lesser dried bamboo and is more beautiful. That is why, despite the difficulty, bamboo that is dried for a longer period of time is used for crafts.
This story of 10years, until Ojuk became a material is based on the story of Gongyeedam’s [Ojuk Collection].
From the successor of the 15th Intangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul, Choe Seonhui
You can listen for yourself through the link below.
Ojuk, which is black bamboo, is only harvested in the winter when the plant is over 5 years old.
The bamboo is cut down after the coldest day of winter and before the beginning of spring.
<Artisan Choi Sun-Hui Cutting Bamboo> ⓒChoe Seonhui
The reason for this is that bamboo harvested during the summer is prone to pest infestations.
Once cut down, the bamboo is stored and loaded for natural drying. The duration lasts at least 5 years.
Bamboo that is not dried well enough can result in a change in color or shape during the crafting process, and when used for the Jukjang method, there is a higher chance the bamboo might fall off.
That is why Artisan Choe Seonhui dries the bamboo naturally for as long as possible to rid the bamboo of its natural elements before using it for crafts.
Bamboo that is not dried enough is actually easier to process and manufacture.
Although well-dried bamboo is harder to work with, it is more consistent in color and glossiness than lesser dried bamboo and is more beautiful. That is why, despite the difficulty, bamboo that is dried for a longer period of time is used for crafts.
This story of 10years, until Ojuk became a material is based on the story of Gongyeedam’s [Ojuk Collection].
From the successor of the 15th Intangible Cultural Heritage of Seoul, Choe Seonhui
You can listen for yourself through the link below.