▲ This photo, provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Gimhae National Museum, shows "Heungwangsamyeong Cheongdong Eunipsa Hyangwan" (left) and the "Gold Earrings from Guemjochong Tomb, Yangsan" (right). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲ This photo, provided by the Cheonju National Museum, shows the Seobongchong Gold crown. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

▲ This photo, provided by the Cheongju National Museum, shows "Dragon-Headed Banner Staff" (left) and "Roof Ornament in the Shape of a Dragon Head" (right). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- The incense burner is an offering tool used to burn incense in Buddhism. Two hyangwans from the Goryeo Dynasty were designated as national treasures, and one of them, "Heungwangsamyeong Cheongdong Eunipsa Hyangwan" has a fancy decoration on the surface.

In the center, dragons and phoenixes are detailed in floral patterns, and geese, ducks, reeds, lotus flowers, and vines are sculpted in the remaining space. It is as if they used the entire incense stick as a canvas.

Since prehistoric times, humans have consistently produced various crafts with metals that are comparable to the Hyangwan of Heungwangsamyeong. Metal is still used as an important material in art.

The Cheongju National Museum announced on the 10th, that along with the Samsung Foundation and the Gimhae National Museum, it will be holding a special exhibition "Metallurgy: Great Wisdom," which brings together 145 pieces of the highest quality metal crafts from the past till the present until August 28th.

It has the same name as the exhibition held at the Hoam Museum last year, but is decorated differently by adding relics from the National Museum. Metallurgy refers to the process and result of treating metal with fire.

The Samsung Foundation presented an unusually large number of 45 pieces at this exhibition. Among them, four national treasures including the Heungwang Hyangwan and the "Roof Ornament in the Shape of a Dragon Head." One will also be able to enjoy two treasures, "Gold Crown from Seobongchong Tomb," from the National Museum of Korea and the "Gold Earrings from Guemjochong Tomb, Yangsan" from Gimhae National Museum.

The exhibition is largely divided into four parts. The first part, "Nature: Symbols and Rituals," introduces fine-patterned mirrors made of bronze, the first alloy created by mankind, and Korean-style copper swords.

In the second part, "The King: Power and State," one will be able to see accessories and weapons from the Three Kingdoms period, including gold crown, gold earrings, a gold-bronze crown hat, and a large sword.

Part 3, "God: Buddha and Dharma," will be decorated with Buddhist crafts including Buddha statues, while part 4, "Human: Life and Art," deals with building elements and daily necessities.

"If you look at the Korean history, you will be able to see that metal was used to make items that symbolized the power, authority of rulers, religion and faith," an official from the Cheongju National Museum said. "You will be able to see a variety of metal artworks from the past and the present."

The exhibition has moved and will be held at the Gimhae National Museum from the end of September.

 

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Haemin Kim.)

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