Currently not on view.
The collection originated in 1883 with the pioneering efforts of Edward Sylvester Morse, with help from scholar and diplomat Yu Kil-Chun, to forge cultural connections between Korea and the United States. Works from the late the 18th and 19th centuries include costumes, ornate keepsake boxes, ceramics and a spirit house. Most of the objects were designed using natural materials and with symbols that express core cultural values. Works focus on art of the Joseon dynasty, the bridge between the traditional kingdom of Korea and modernity.
Images
Gat (man’s outdoor hat), ca. 1880
Gift of Yu Kil-Chun
Gwijumeoni (ear shaped purse), ca. 1880
Gift of Yu Kil-Chun
Hwayaktong (gun powder flask), 19th century
Museum purchase
Jinsin (rain shoes), 19th century
Museum purchase
Fan, 19th century
Museum purchase
Jar with Phoenix Decoration, 19th century
Museum purchase
Sewing Tray, late 18th century
Museum purchase
Sansindo (The Mountain Spirit), late 18th century
Daeryunseon (big wheel-shaped fan), 19th century
Museum purchase
Hwayaktong (gun powder flask), 19th century
Museum Purchase
Chorip (rush hat), 19th century
Museum Purchase
Silpae (spool), 19th century
Gift of Gustavus Goward
Banjit Gori (sewing box), 19th century
Gift of Charles Goddard Weld
Hwarot (bridal robe), 18th century
Museum Purchase
Quiver and Bow Case, 19th century
Museum Purchase
Gammoyeojaedo (Spirit House), 18th century
Museum Purchase
Jiseung Jegi (paper twine offering vessels), 19th century
Museum Purchse
Wonban (round table), 19th century
Museum purchase
Yeonchoham (tobacco box), 19th century
Gift of Charles Goddard Weld
Taegeukseon (fan with yin yang symbol), 19th century
Gift of Edward Sylvester Morse
Munseo Ham (document box), 17th century
Museum purchase
Jebok (robe for royal ancestral rites), 19th century
Museum purchase
Beol Tong (beehive), 19th century
Museum purchase
Lantern
Shaman's Fan, ca. 1890
Gift of Mrs. R.J. Godfrey 1899
Bojagi (wrapping cloth), 20t century
Museum purchase with funds from the Toplitz Hilborn Memorial Fund
Mouth Organ
Screen of Jeju Island, late 19th century
Museum purchase and a gift of Lea Sneider,2001
Nectar Ritual (kamnot’aeng), 1744
Museum purchase 2004
Village guardian posts (changsung), late 19th century
Gift of Yamanaka and Co. in memory of Edward S. Morse 1930
