MASTERPIECES OF SILK EMBROIDERY

Embroidery is one of humankind’s oldest art forms, and for millennia people around the world have utilized needle and thread to embellish textiles with dazzling colors and patterns. On this excursion, the RAS provides a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating exploration of embroidered silk masterpieces in several of Korea’s greatest collections of this art form – The Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum, Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum, and the Museum of Korean Embroidery – as well as the opportunity to purchase some magnificent needlework.

We will meet at the Yongsan Post Office at 9:00 a.m., and from there proceed to one of Seoul’s newest and most impressivemuseums– The Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum. Opened in May2005,the Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum houses an extensive collection of embroidered textiles representing various historical periods and geographical regions. Primarily focused on East Asian costume and decorative arts, the Museum’s permanent collection ranks among the most comprehensive of its kind in Asia, and encompasses a broad range of embroidery from around the world. The spectacularly embroidered imperialrobes, military uniforms, folding screens, wedding robes, rank insignia, and various types of garments, accessories, and furnishings on view– created over the last two thousand years in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries – illustrate the characteristic forms, techniques, and ornament of East Asian silk embroidery as well as the historical significance, expressive potential, and profound beauty of the embroiderer’s art. These masterfully embroidered pieces highlight the development of techniques, forms, and motifs in China as well as the dissemination and transformation of these cultural patterns among non-Chinese peoples throughout East Asia. Beautifully arranged and dramatically lit within an elegantly designed gallery, this large, colorful, and sumptuous exhibition provides a stimulating feast for the senses. 

From here we will proceedto the HanSangsu Embroidery Museum, whichwas established by Han Sangsu, a master in embroidery who holds the titleof the 80th Important Intangible Cultural Property. Han Sangsu dedicated her life to collecting and studying examples of Korean embroidery throughout the country. She established the museum to display her own collection to promote the importance of Korean embroidery. A beautiful traditional home was remodeled for the museum, giving visitors the impression of visiting someone’s house. Over the low wall surrounding the museum, you can see Gahoe-dong, a traditional art and culture district. The Han Sangsu museum consists of a permanent exhibition hall and three galleries showcasing works of embroidery by Han Sangsu, as well as her collection of a wide range of embroidery-related objects and historical relics. In the main exhibition hall, a range of traditional embroidered art and handicraft is on display: splendidly embroidered patches called hyungbae, a form of ornament used on official uniforms of kings and high-ranking officers; jobawi, women’s winter hats; nambawi, fur-lined hoods; and bokjumeoni, good-luck bags. The hyungbae in particular are well-known for their representations of auspicious animals such as dragons, giraffes, lions, and peacocks, all beautifully embroidered onto a patch and worn on the breast and back of garments. Throughout the galleries, various items, including relics, tools, embroidered folding screens and bedding are displayed. There are audiovisual installations to help visitors understand the history and culture of Korean embroidery. The Han Sangsu Embroidery Museum serves to promote the importance of the cultural and aesthetic values associated with 5,000 years of Korean embroidery.

After lunch, we will board our bus and proceed south of the Han River to the Museum of Korean Embroidery, which pioneered the study and display of historic Korean needlework. The Museum has been collecting, researching, and exhibiting traditional embroidered works, wrapping cloths, and costumes since 1976, and has organized more than 30 local and international exhibitions. The founder and director of the Museum, Huh Dong-hwa will give us a private tour of the many masterpieces in his collection. Huh was one of the first in Korea to recognize the contribution of women to Korea's rich and varied culture, and has spent nearly half his life collecting and researching the treasures now housed in his Museum. We will have the chance for up-close examination of fantastically embroidered screens, Buddhist textiles, wrapping cloths, and other textiles, as well as sewing implements.

Finally, we will stop by some embroidery shops where we will see many beautifully embroidered textiles available for sale. Afterhavingspent the day examining many wonderful historical examples of embroidery, we will see in these shops that this ancient art form remains a vibrant, constantly evolving,creative outlet for Korean women.

TO: R.A.S.                                    

PLEASE RESERVE SPACE ON THEMASTERPIECES OF SILK EMBROIDERY EXCURSIONONSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012FOR THE FOLLOWING:

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Please make a payment to the following account: Shinhan Bank Account #100-026-383501(RAS-KB)