Reviving Tradition: Hanji Paper Takes Center Stage at Maison&Objet 2026

At the upcoming Maison&Objet 2026, running from September 10 to 14, the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCDF) will showcase 'Hanji House', a groundbreaking exhibit highlighting the transformation of ancient Hanji paper into modern biomaterials. This 1,000-year-old craft, made from the fibers of paper mulberry bark, is being reimagined for contemporary furniture and architectural design.

The exhibition, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to elevate Hanji’s status within global design discourse. Historically utilized for writing, windows, and flooring, Hanji's applications now extend to cultural preservation, art restoration, and lifestyle products. This showcase comes at a crucial time as UNESCO is set to determine if Hanji-making traditions will be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage later this year.

Kyungbae Kim, President of KCDF, expressed hope that the exhibit would enhance awareness of Hanji's beauty and practicality while fostering international business opportunities rooted in Korean traditions. “Hanji embodies centuries of craftsmanship while offering the sustainability and versatility sought by today’s design industry,” he stated.

Innovative Designs Inspired by Hanji

The 'Hanji House' exhibit features a thoughtfully designed space emphasizing soft light and natural airflow, creating an atmosphere where modern minimalism intersects with organic comfort. Central to the display, industrial design studio SWNA presents a collection of experimental furniture that integrates Hanji with materials like metal and stone, resulting in striking floating lights and sculptural partitions.

In addition to SWNA’s creations, seven other Korean makers, including HANJI PARK Materials Lab and toolpress, showcase their innovative uses of Hanji. From handcrafted sheets to art restoration tools and fragrant decor, these participants highlight the versatility of this durable, plant-based material in functional design.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship

As the exhibition unfolds, visitors will witness how the traditional craft of Hanji is being adapted for modern use. From PULBAT’s lighting designs that incorporate Korean architectural motifs to toolpress's unique posters printed on hand-formed Hanji sheets, the exhibit serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of this ancient art form. The 'Hanji House' promises to not only display beautiful creations but also to inspire architects and designers to embrace sustainable materials in their work.

Source: www.designboom.com