In an unprecedented exhibition, the Asian Art Museum presents masterworks from Korea
This fall, the Asian Art Museum will present In Grand Style: Celebrations in Korean Art during the Joseon Dynasty, the first major U.S. exhibition to explore the colorfully choreographed ceremonies of Korea’s Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The legacy of this dynasty—among the world’s longest—continues to resonate in Korean culture today. The exhibition features important objects (several officially designated as Korean Treasures by the country’s Cultural Heritage Administration) that bring to life the grand festivals when milestones like birthdays and weddings were celebrated with elaborate rites that sometimes involved thousands of participants and continued for days. Dance, music, and procession all had parts in the joyous festivities, while exacting rules were prescribed that governed even the placement of dishes at a banquet table.
The careful, detailed organization of extensive events marking political appointments, birthdays, weddings, funerals, and other occasions in Joseon society sprang from the Confucian principle that ritual and order are the foundations of a stable, peaceful civilization. Through 115 artworks, In Grand Style explores what it meant to be a king during the Joseon dynasty; royal processions and banquets; the power of women at court; and the lives and celebrations of the Joseon people. Highlights include an ornate palanquin—measuring more than 8 feet long—used for carrying a king or queen; a book of praise for King Taejo, made entirely of jade and inscribed with gold; a 150-feet-long handscroll depicting King Jeongjo’s famous procession to his father’s tomb; a royal throne; as well as kings’ and queens’ seals and protocol books with paintings of royal banquets, ceremonial robes and furniture.
“With In Grand Style we celebrate the rich pageantry of the Joseon dynasty,” said Jay Xu, director of the Asian Art Museum. “It is fitting that we should do so in our 10th year in the museum’s Civic Center location. In 2003 we opened with a show about Korea’s Goryeo dynasty. Ten years later, through this exhibition focusing on the succeeding Joseon dynasty, we celebrate our first decade at the Civic Center, we celebrate the marvelous arts of Korea, and ultimately we celebrate the art of celebration itself.”
In Grand Style is on view Oct. 25, 2013–Jan. 12, 2014. The Asian Art Museum is the only venue for the exhibition.