Inlaying, a method known as “ipsa” in Korean, involves cutting lines or grooves into metals like copper and iron, and then filling them with other metals such as gold, silver, and copper to create intricate patterns. Creating these grooves is a challenging task that demands hours of meticulous chiseling. In the art of ipsa, every […]
For more information about Soban you can read our article: The soban HOJOKBAN. GUJOKBAN. A table used for dining, where food is placed, is called a “soban“. In traditional houses of the Joseon Dynasty, the kitchen and dining room were typically separate, and heavy brass or porcelain dishes were used for tableware. Consequently, sobans were […]
COLLECTION “ANTIKASIA” The acquisition of our first piece of Korean furniture dates back to the mid-80s when we lived in Seoul. From the outset, we were captivated by the beauty of the architecture and the extensive use of wood, a crucial material in Korean craftsmanship. Their furniture, often rustic and crafted from a variety of […]
THE JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM THE TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM. Photos above: This shell-inlayed (raden) box is for storing sutra scrolls and was formerly owned by the Mōri Family. The hinge, lock and rings on the sides are thought to be later additions made in Japan. The letter 黄二 (yellow-two) on the one side indicates that […]
Lacquer, known as “ottchil” (옻칠) in Korean, is a natural paint that has been utilized in Asia since ancient times. Its properties, such as water and insect repellency, enhance the durability of objects while imbuing them with a beautiful luster. The application of lacquer is a time and labor-intensive process. Initially, it takes several months […]
Featured image on top of this post: Box with design of auspicious symbols, early 20th century.Ink and paint on ox horn panels on wood, ray skin, and metal.DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ART MUSEUM, USA The term “hwagak” is derived from the words for flowers and horns, and it specifically pertains to the craft of inlaying ox […]
This brief history of traditional Korean furniture aims to address common questions about its origins and the limited availability of antique pieces in the market. Feature photo at the top of this post: A painting by Shin Yun-bok, who was born around 1758 and passed away after 1813. He was a Korean painter known by […]
THE BRITISH MUSEUM. The Department of Asia covers the material and visual cultures of Asia. Our extensive Korean collection highlights a number of ornamental works of celadon as well as Goryeo lacquer and metalwork. VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
Located in the central western part of South Korea, Chungcheong Do was one of the eight provinces of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty.The name of the province derives from the name of the principal city of Cheongju. It lies between Gyeonggi Province in the north, Jeolla Province in the south, and Gyeongsan and Gangwon Provinces […]
Gangwon Do, also known as Kangwon Province, has Chuncheon as its capital city. Before the division of Korea in 1945, this part of South Korea and its North Korean neighbor constituted a single province, as depicted on the map below. Gangwon Province is bordered to the west by Gyeonggi Province, to the south by the […]