There’s more to Korean culture than tear-jerking dramas and spicy grub – just check out the incredible and historical artefacts at Asian Civilisations Museum’s Joseon Korea exhibition
Are your Spotify playlists dominated by catchy K-pop tracks? Would you rather binge-watch Korean dramas than catch the latest Netflix release? Do you usually make a beeline for the Korean restaurant over other kinds of nosh? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, congrats – you’ve been hit with the K-Wave. But surprise, surprise: Korean culture is not just about the amazing pop culture or the mouthwatering food; it has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, and the Asian Civilisations Museum is unveiling an intimate inspection of 500 years of Korea’s last dynasty, the Joseon (1392 – 1897) – a period that inimitably shaped modern Korea in Joseon Korea: Court Treasures and City Life.
The Honeycombers team made a field trip to the exhibition, and we were instantly transported to another time, with actual furniture, fashion and decorative arts from the Joseon era taking centrestage. Direct from the National Museum of Korea and the National Palace of Korea, these artefacts provide a rare glimpse into one of the most influential eras in Korean history. Here are some of our top picks.
The Sun, Moon and Five Peaks
This painted folding screen is not just beautiful; it’s also full of symbolism and is in itself a symbol of the king. While such elements were not exclusive to royalty, the sun, moon and five peaks image were specific to the Joseon court, and usually placed behind the king’s throne. The sun and moon represents the forces of yin and yang, while the five peaks signified the five elements.
Portrait of Seo Jiksu
Paintings of notable figures in history are nothing unusual in Korea –but this portrait of Joseon Confucian scholar Seo Jiksu is one-of-a-kind. Besides being depicted standing and without shoes, which is rare, this portrayal was also created by two of the era’s most famous court painters, with one painting the face and the other the body.
Moon Jar
This Joseon porcelain vessel is iconic for a reason –not only does it resemble a luminous, full moon, the process of making it is fascinating. Made by joining two separately potted halves together, the jars are never exactly spherical, giving it an unpretentious charm and simplicity that is reflective of Confucian ideals.
But don’t just take our word for it, head down to Asian Civilisations Museum from now ’til 23 July to experience it for yourself.
Joseon Korea: Court Treasures and City Life, 22 April – 23 July, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555. Admission charges apply for this special exhibition.
This article is sponsored by Asian Civilisations Museum