Explore Art \\ Collection
Korean Art
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.
ABOVE PHOTO CREDIT: © Dennis Helmar
Explore some highlights from the collection
Korea, Joseon period late 18th century, paper with black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlays, 8.5 x 33.00 cm, Museum purchase, 1998, E300229. © Dennis Helmar
Korea, Joseon period, 1744, ink and pigments on silk, Museum purchase, 2004, E302324
Joseon period, late 18th century, embroidered polychrome silk and metal-wrapped threads on red and white satin; lining: paper, museum purchase, 1927, E20190. © 2007 Photo by Dennis Helmar
Korea, late Joseon period, 19th century, bamboo, wood, ivory, rattan, and lacquer, museum purchase, 1893, E9796
Korea, late Joseon period, 19th century, horsehair, bamboo, lacquer, and silk, gift of Yu Kil-Chun, 1883, E1573
wood, pigments, approx. 13 ft. x 13 in. diam. (3.96m x 33 cm diam.), approx 12.4 ft x 12.4 in. diam. (3.8 m x 31.5 cm). Gift of Yamanaka and Co. in memory of Edward S. Morse 1930, Accession Number: E20809, E20810. © 2007 Photo by Dennis Helmar
Artist not identified, Korea. Ink and colors on paper. Museum Purchase, Accession Number: E301985
Artist not identified, Korea. Ramie. Museum purchase with funds from the Toplitz Hilborn Memorial Fund. Accession Number: E301728
Artist not identified, Korea. Ink, color paper. Museum purchase and a gift of Lea Sneider,2001, Accession Number: E301719