Opening the exhibition
The special exhibition Lacquerware of East Asia is a collaboration of the National Museum of Korea, the Tokyo National Museum of Japan, and the National Museum of China in connection with the director’s meeting of each museum. To promote friendship and appreciate each culture of these three neighboring countries, the exhibition takes place every two years with the institutions hosting in rotation. The hosting country is named first in the exhibition title followed by the next hosting country.
The theme of this fifth joint special exhibition is 'Lacquer-ware.' Lacquerware is a representative craft of Asia, where Korea, Japan, and China have each perfected it in their distinctive styles: mother-of-pearl lacquerware, maki-e lacquerware, and carved lacquerware, respectively. This exhibition brings together 46 representative pieces from the 14th to 19th centuries, showcasing the three countries' unique decorative techniques of gluing, sprinkling, and carving, as well as their original and spectacular shapes, colors, and patterns. The exquisite world of lacquerware, ‘an art of time,’ from Korea, Japan, and China is presented here for you to enjoy.
Part 2: Lacquerware of Korea
During the Goryeo dynasty, Korea focused on mother-of-pearl lacquerware, while China and Japan developed various lacquer techniques. Goryeo mother-of-pearl lacquer-ware is continuously appreciated worldwide for its sophisticated technique and elegant beauty. The style and aesthetic of Goryeo lacquerware continued in the early Joseon period but the purpose gradually shifted to making household items and furniture reflecting broader tastes. Traditional designs such as lotus scrolls and floral medallions evolved to include natural motifs and ten longevity symbols, adding splendor to the lacquerware.