Everyone would agree that happiness is an indispensable aim in life. To achieve this goal, people come up with new objectives that make life more worthwhile. Nevertheless, satisfaction from these daily tasks would be meaningless unless they were shared and spread. In this sense, Kansong Jeon Hyeongpil, who was a Korean educationist and art collector, was indeed one of the most delightful men in Korean history.

Kansong’s happiness and passion during his lifetime remain intact in Kansong Treasures Part Two: Bohwagak. As “bohwagak” implies “a house of sparkling treasures,” the exhibition holds priceless cultural assets, as well as the awe and pride of viewers. The exhibition proves that Kansong did more than simply pass down happiness to future generations. He has shown the superiority and beauty of our cultural properties and helped to form the identity of the country.

Born into a wealthy family in 1906, Kansong was mild in personality and enjoyed learning. He entered the Department of Law at Waseda University but soon encountered a life-changing moment during the Japanese Occupation. With the influence of O Se-Chang, who was in the Enlightenment Party, Kansong started collecting Korean antiquities at his own expense to protect Korean art and culture from smuggling out to Japan.

In fact, Bohwagak was the original name of the present Kansong Art Museum, which is the first modern private museum in Korea, founded by Kansong himself. His patriotism until his death in 1962 is vivid in this museum, where more than 100 pieces of representative works are displayed in this three-month exhibition. Each national treasure as far back as the era of the Three Kingdoms to the Joseon Dynasty gives off a noble aura, contributing to the graceful ambience of the exhibition.

Although the exhibition itself is a collection of the best selections, spectators would naturally gape at the 11-meter landscape painting Road to Shu Scroll that fills one whole wall. A masterpiece of Sim Sa-Jeong, the rugged mountains hold his lifelong resentment as the descendent of a rebellious family. Nevertheless, the peaceful canyon at the end of the painting is a reflection of his tranquil old ages, perhaps an image of everyone’s lives, from all eras.  

After admiring such an impressive landscape, the exhibition introduces one of the most beautiful women. The so-called “Korean Mona Lisa,” Shin Yun-Bok’s A Beauty depicts the most gorgeous gisaeng of the Joseon Dynasty, with a mysterious yet alluring look. As it is her first outing in 76 years, visitors will be captivated by the feel of spring given off by this lady and be dragged by her delicate figure.

Past the calligraphies and Buddhist statues stand two ceramics. Celadon Prunus Vase with Inlaid Cloud and Crane Design, adorned with as many as 69 cranes, attracts the eyes of visitors with its peak of splendor. In fact, its broad upper section that reminds one of a man’s wide shoulders shows the ceramic was produced during the Goryeo Military Regime. The affluence of times of Kim Jeong-jo in the Joseon Dynasty is depicted through Blue-and-White Porcelain Bottle with Chrysanthemum Design in Underglaze Iron and Copper. The colorful mix of red, black, and blue, along with the porcelain’s large waist, is a reflection of the prosperity of that period.

The final treasure of the exhibition holds the secret of how Hangul, or Korean characters, was formed. The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People, the foundation of the Korean alphabet more than half a millennium old, welcomes the viewers with its unique nobleness. Particularly, this exhibition unveils examples of the use of the letters. Thanks to Kansong’s devotion, the book was discovered in the 1940s, a time when the Japanese strived to eradicate our national spirit by preventing the use of Korean.

Kansong Treasures Part Two: Bohwagak has a calm yet solemn atmosphere. The soft lights brightening each valuable relic provide a perfect atmosphere for concentratin on the beauty of the treasures. The white walls encompassing the whole exhibition seem to reflect Kansong’s pure patriotism, single-minded devotion for his country, and faith in future generations. This relaxed area will feel like a refuge from tough daily life, or a time machine into the lives of our ancestors.

Kansong’s life and this exhibition provide an opportunity for introspection. They show that 60 years of The Granite Tower, over 100 years of Korea University, and Korea’s long and proud history should not be taken for granted. While living in the turmoil of daily life, we must not overlook the value of our predecessors’ dedication and always recall the numerous possibilities they have provided. Why not take a shelter from your hectic routine and visit the oasis in the urban space?

Exhibition Information:

Venue: Baeumteo (2F) at the Design Museum, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

Date: July 2 - September 28, 2014

Time: 10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.

(Closes at 9:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and Fridays, closed on Mondays and Chuseok)

Docent: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 A.M., 1:30 P.M., 3:30 P.M., 5:30 P.M.

               Wednesdays and Fridays 11:30 A.M., 1:30 P.M., 3:30 P.M., 5:30 P.M., 7:30 P.M.

Admission: Adults 8000 won / Students (ages 4-18) 6000 won

 

 

 

저작권자 © The Granite Tower 무단전재 및 재배포 금지