British Museum Opens First Major Korean Art Exhibition in 40 Years
The British Museum has opened a comprehensive exhibition featuring 100 rare artifacts dating from 300 BC to the present, exploring the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions of Korean art.
The British Museum has presented 100 historical artifacts spanning from 300 BC to the present day to art lovers in London with an event titled "Korea," marking its first major exhibition on Korean art in over forty years.
Historical Artifacts and Treasures
The 100 exhibits, ranging from 300 BC to the present day, examine the beliefs and traditions that have shaped Korean art.
Twenty-three items officially designated as National Treasures and Treasures by South Korea are featured in this exhibition.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Among the displayed works are a 900-year-old incense burner featuring a mythical creature and a colossal Buddhist bell.
The blue-green ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty and the minimalist porcelains of the Joseon period are brought together.
Curator's Choice and Star Piece
According to curator Yoojin Kwak Choi, the undisputed star of the exhibition is Jeong Seon's painting of Mount Inwang.
This work played a critical role in the shift of Korean landscape painting away from the Chinese style toward local reality.
Examples of Modern Craftsmanship
Yeesookyung's 2018 vase combines broken ceramic pieces from North and South Korea with gold leaf.
This unique work brings traditional craft understanding into the present day with a modern interpretation.
Source of the Collection and Dates
A large portion of the works in the exhibition was sourced from the extensive collection of the late businessman Lee Kun-hee.
The exhibition, which reveals the millennia-long history of Korean culture, can be visited until January 31, 2027.