The Committee

1. Takes note that the Republic of Korea has nominated Craftsmanship of Najeon, mother-of-pearl inlay for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, described as follows:

Najeon is the decorative craft of inlaying carefully cut out pieces of mother-of-pearl into the surface of objects usually covered by lacquer. The craft centres on Tongyeong City, a coastal city in South Gyeongsang Province, Republic of Korea that is renowned for quality lacquer-ware with mother-of-pearl inlay, while Wonju City in Gangwon Province is known for quality lacquer. Najeon may be used to decorate wardrobes, cabinets, stationery chests, tables and jewellery boxes. The techniques and traditional methods involved in this complex craft demand perseverance. The production period is extensive and requires experience and finely-honed skills, transmitted through apprenticeship or handed down to new generations as a part of family businesses. In schools, special classes are held to foster awareness of this traditional craftsmanship. Safeguarding of the craft is undertaken by the Korean Association for Preservation of Important Intangible Cultural Properties and other organizations. A large number of artisans are currently producing lacquer-ware with mother-of-pearl inlay based on traditional methods. Practitioners take great pride in their art and local communities are bound by a shared identity through their pride in this regional heritage.

2. Decides that, from the information provided in nomination file 00459, Craftsmanship of Najeon, mother-of-pearl inlay satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List, as follows:

R.2:   Its inscription on the Representative List could contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and particularly of similar crafts practised elsewhere in the region;

R.3:   Current, recent and proposed measures include activities such as research and documentation, training, awareness raising and promotion of the craft;

R.4:   The element has been nominated following the participation of the masters and relevant associations, who provided their free, prior and informed consent;

R.5:   At the request of groups and individuals concerned, the element was designated in 1966 as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division of the Cultural Heritage Administration.

3. Further decides that the information provided in nomination file 00459, Craftsmanship of Najeon, mother-of-pearl inlay is not sufficient to allow the Committee to determine whether the criteria for inscription on the Representative List are satisfied, as follows:

R.1:   Further information is needed to explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the craft, besides its commercial aspects, and how it provides a sense of identity to its community.

4. Decides to refer the nomination of Craftsmanship of Najeon, mother-of-pearl inlay to the submitting State Party and invites it to resubmit the nomination in a subsequent cycle, providing the additional information specified with regard to criteria R.1.