Thursday, September 1, 2011

New Exhibition of Korean Antique Metalwork Opens Saturday

Peony Patterned Lock, Late Chosŏn, lock; nickel, 3 x 5 x 1-3/4 inches, key; iron, 6-1/2 x 1-3/4 x 3/8 inches, courtesy of The Korea Society and The Lock Museum



A new exhibition of rare antique locks, latches, and key charms from Korea opens Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Art Museum.


Talismans of Protections from Chosŏn Korea: Antique Lock, Latches, and Key Charms presents objects that are richly symbolic and exquisitely decorative examples of traditional Korean aesthetic and craft traditions.


The Chosŏn Dynasty (1392-1910) was the longest and last imperial dynasty in Korea. This rare collection includes metal and wood objects in the forms of dragons, turtles, butterflies, fish, bats and swallows. Although the objects had functional purposes, the beauty of their design underscores the symbolic nature of the protections they afforded.


The exhibition is on loan from the Lock Museum in Seoul, Korea and organized for national tour by The Korea Society, New York.


A free opening reception to celebrate this and other new fall exhibitions will be at the Art Museum Friday, Sept. 9, from 6-8 p.m. For more information about this or any other upcoming exhibitions, please visit the Art Museum webpage or call 307.766.6622.


No comments: