Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 October 30, 2014–January 11, 2015
Korean, Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks, 19th–early 20th century, four-fold screen, colors on silk, National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul.
Korean, Mountain God, 19th century–early 20th century, colors on silk, National Museum of Korea, Seoul.
Korean, Jar with Design of Bamboo and Plum Trees, 16th–17th century, porcelain with underglaze iron decoration, National Museum of Korea, Seoul.
Vairocana Assembly, 1750, banner painting: colors on hemp, Daeryeonsa, Yesan.
Korean, Portrait of the Buddhist Master Hwadam, 19th century, hanging scroll, colors on silk, National Museum of Korea, Seoul.
Korean, Box with Ox-Horn Decoration, late 19th century, wood with painted ox horn and lacquer, National Museum of Korea, Seoul.
Uigyun and others, Western Paradise of Amitabha, 1703, hanging scroll: colors on silk, National Museum of Korea, Seoul.
This sweeping panorama celebrates the artistic achievements of the Joseon dynasty, a line of 27 monarchs who ruled the Korean peninsula for more than 500 years and left a substantial legacy for modern Korea. Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 is the first full-scale American exhibition to be devoted to the dynasty’s art.
Comprised of more than 150 works drawn primarily from the National Museum of Korea’s collection, Treasures from Korea offers a rare opportunity to see some of Korea’s artistic masterpieces, including a number designated as national treasures. The exhibition is organized around five key themes that illuminate the artistic accomplishments and dynamics of Korean cultural life under the world’s longest-ruling Confucian dynasty.
The works on view demonstrate the breadth and scope of the fascinating art created during the Joseon dynasty. The objects range from the courtly arts of ceremonial screen painting and calligraphy to scenes that vividly depict life across the social classes. Also included are outstanding examples of Korean ceramics, ritual wares, metalwork, sculpture, lacquer, furniture, costumes, textiles, and illustrated books.
Catalogue
For information about the illustrated exhibition catalogue, contact The MFAH Shop (713.639.7360) or the Museum's Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).
The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Korea, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
This exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and the Korea Foundation. Transportation assistance is provided by Korean Air.
In Houston, generous funding is provided by Chinhui and Eddie Allen; Chi Si Choi, M.D., and Sung Ha Choi;
Jin S. Park, M.D., and Yang O. Huh, M.D.; Nancy C. Allen; Baytown Shopping Center; Michelle H. Chong;
Sue and Randy Sim; Tokyo Gardens Catering, LLC; and Friends of "Treasures from Korea."
