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Exhibition sheds light on distinct flavors of lacquerware from Korea, China, Japan

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By Baek Byung-yeul
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A visitor takes a look at a lacquerware used to contain combs, made between the 18th and 19th century during the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom era, during a press preview of 'Lacquerware of East Asia” exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

A visitor takes a look at a lacquerware used to contain combs, made between the 18th and 19th century during the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom era, during a press preview of "Lacquerware of East Asia” exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

For thousands of years, the art of lacquerware has flourished across East Asia, transforming everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. Originating from China, this ancient craft has paved its way through Korea and Japan, producing everything from simple household items to intricate metal and wooden masterpieces.

A poster for the exhibition 'Lacquerware of East Asia,' currently running at the National Museum of Korea (NMK) through Sept. 22 / Courtesy of NMK

A poster for the exhibition "Lacquerware of East Asia," currently running at the National Museum of Korea (NMK) through Sept. 22 / Courtesy of NMK

To highlight the similar yet distinct beauty of lacquer in the three East Asian countries, the National Museum of Korea (NMK) is holding a special exhibition in Seoul with its counterpart museums — the National Museum of China and the Tokyo National Museum of Japan, showcasing 46 lacquerware pieces.

The exhibition, titled "Lacquerware of East Asia," offers an opportunity to glimpse at the splendid crafts of the three countries based on lacquer culture. Ancient people often incorporated natural sap collected from lacquer trees, which are resistant to moisture and pests, into their crafts.

"Focusing on the decorative techniques that embellish the surfaces of solid lacquer foundation, the exhibition highlights Korea's mother-of-pearl lacquerware created by gluing the iridescent mother-of-pearl, Japan's maki-e lacquerware made with sprinkled gold powder and China's carved lacquer with intricate designs carved on layers of lacquer," an NMK official said.

Visitors to the joint exhibition will first encounter Chinese lacquer pieces, tracing their evolution from ancient times through the Ming (1368-1644) to the Qing (1636-1912) dynasties.

The exhibition particularly highlights China's carved lacquer technique, which combines the skills of lacquer, painting and carving. Visitors can see works such as a Ming Dynasty-era table with a cloud design and a container with landscape and figure designs from the Qing Dynasty.

Lacquerware from Korea, China and Japan are displayed at the National Museum of Korea (NMK). They are, from left, a comb box with a phoenix, flower, bird and pine tree design, estimated to have been created between the 18th and 19th century late Joseon era; a container with landscape and figure design, created in the 18th century during China's Qing Dynasty; and a sutra box with lotus pond design, made in Japan in the 15th century. Courtesy of NMK

Lacquerware from Korea, China and Japan are displayed at the National Museum of Korea (NMK). They are, from left, a comb box with a phoenix, flower, bird and pine tree design, estimated to have been created between the 18th and 19th century late Joseon era; a container with landscape and figure design, created in the 18th century during China's Qing Dynasty; and a sutra box with lotus pond design, made in Japan in the 15th century. Courtesy of NMK

The Korean section displays "najeonchilgi," or lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl, from the 918-1392 Goryeo Kingdom and the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom.

Renowned for its iridescent finishes that shimmer in changing light, najeonchilgi is a representative traditional craft of Korea. Various intricately crafted Korean works are on view, including a two-tiered wardrobe with longevity symbols, donated by the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

Japan's prominent lacquer technique is maki-e, which was significantly developed during the Heian period from the eighth to 12th century. Its process involves sprinkling finely processed gold or silver powder on lacquered objects. The exhibition presents various maki-e lacquerware, including a sutra box with lotus pond design.

NMK Director General Kim Jae-hong said this joint exhibition would serve as an opportunity for Korea, China and Japan to cooperate more in the cultural field.

"Lacquer craft is also called the art of time as it requires patience to repeat the process of lacquering and drying. I expect this to be a meaningful place where visitors can appreciate the solid and beautiful world of lacquer crafts from Korea, China and Japan," Kim said during a press preview of the exhibition Tuesday.

"Just as a masterpiece of lacquerware is completed through time and patience, I hope this becomes an opportunity for the three countries to understand each other and strengthen cooperation through mutual exchange."

Since 2006, the NMK and its counterparts in China and Japan have held annual meetings to promote mutual cooperation and exchanges. They have been organizing joint special exhibitions every two years since 2012 in one of the three countries to introduce their cultures and enhance mutual understanding.

The exhibition runs until Sept. 22.