By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
A special exhibition of 17th and 18th century Korean locks opened at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo, Monday. This is the first time the collection of locks from Seoul's Lock Museum has been exhibited outside Korea.
The exhibit's opening ceremony in Tokyo was attended by high-profile Korean figures, including Chung Hee-ja, wife of former Daewoo Group chairman Kim Woo-chung; veteran actress Park Jung-ja; musician Jang Sa-ik; and Miss Korea first runner-up Choi Bo-in.
A total of 210 pieces from the Lock Museum's extensive traditional Korean lock collection will be on display through Nov. 20. The exhibit features 150 keys and locks, 30 bolts and 30 key holders. The exhibition hopes to share traditional Korean culture with Japanese museumgoers.
Korean locks and latches are often used on wooden furniture and at the house. They were not just used to protect the house, but have deeper meaning. For example, the turtle-shaped wooden latches used at the gate of one's house are meant to give protection and prosperity to the family.
The yeolsoepae is a dowry charm used by the upper class during the late Joseon Kingdom. The charm is designed with auspicious symbols to wish the family peace and prosperity.
Established by philosopher Muneyoshi Yanagi in 1936, the Japan Folk Crafts Museum has a collection of 17,000 paintings, pottery, metal works, lacquer ware, woodwork, dolls and other crafts from Japan, China, Korea, Africa and around the world.
Yanagi (1889-1961), known as the founder of the Japanese folk craft movement, was a great admirer of traditional Korean folk crafts after visiting Korea in 1916. The museum has a room dedicated to showcasing traditional Korean handicrafts.
There will be a special lecture by Choi Hong-kyu, director of the Lock Museum, Oct. 11 at the museum. Admission to is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for students. Visit www.mingeikan.or.jp.