Jogakjang refers to the skill of metal engraving or to the artisan who does it. Unearthed artifacts lead us to guess that metal engraving was first attempted during the Bronze Age. Diverse engraving techniques were used during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD), and they made noticeable developments during the Goryeo Period (877 – 1394). During the Joseon Period (1392 – 1910), metal handicrafts started to develop as an independent sector.
Techniques used in metal engraving include depressed engraving, bratticing, relief engraving, 3D engraving, and inlaying. Materials used are gold, silver, iron, lead, zinc, and tin. Silver is the most commonly used. Favorite designs used are scenery, flowers, birds, clouds, dragons and vines. Esthetic quality or propitiousness became the criteria for selection of the patterns of metal engraving in the later Joseon Period and thereafter.