Baecheop (Korean배첩) is the Korean art of preserving scrolls of brushed calligraphy or paintings by applying a silk or paper mounting.[1] Craftsmen who specialise in this process are known as baecheopjang (Korean배첩장), one of whom, Kim Pyo-young, is an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Korea.[2]

A man practicing baecheop (2009)

The techniques used originated in China, but is recorded in Korea as early as the Goguryeo period.[3] Baecheop was widely used in the Joseon period for processing the artworks held in royal collections.[1]

The glue used is a paste of flour and water which is fermented over as long as a decade. The hanji used must be carefully selected, as some papers contain chemicals which can, over time, cause damage to the original artwork.[2] Mountings can take the form of scrolls, folding screens, processed documents, covered bindings or framed art.[3][1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Baecheop". ICH Archives. UNESCO. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b "생명을연장시키는 거룩한 사명자 김표영 배첩장". Arirang Today. Arirang News. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  3. ^ a b "배첩장". Encyclopedia of Korean Local Culture. Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 8 April 2013.