Antique Alive

Dado: Korean Tea Ceremony (How to Drink Korean Green Tea)

2011-04-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

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There are three famous tea gardens in Korea where the best quality green teas are produced. The gardens are located in Boseong, Hwagae, and Jeju. The gardens in Boseong and Jeju are large and usually produce industrialized green teas. This herbal green tea from the Hwagae is cultivated on privately owned tea gardens located on the southern slopes of Jirisan Mountain, the most remote area from civilization in Korea, and are handmade, therefore producing more delicate teas which are of course, more expensive. Instead of the large breath taking plantations, the tea gardens of Hwagae are smaller in size and the tea trees lay closer to the ground and grow naturally, and are therefore also called "wild green tea."

How Korean Green Tea Different From

While internationally Chinese and Japanese teas are more widely known, Korean green tea is very different from them. And unlike black teas, which are fermented and oxidized before they are dried and shaped, Korean green tea is heated on an iron pot within a few hours of being picked, then rolled by hands and naturally dried in the shade. This allows for the tealeaves to infuse clear light liquids, which have a delicate and subtle flavor.

How to Brew a Cup of Korean Green Tea

There are a few prerequisites to a good cup of green tea, and everything from the quality of water and tea, and the temperature of the water, to when the tea is added to the pot, or how long the tea is steeped, can influence the final result.

When preparing tea for drinking, oolong teas are made using hot water, while that used for black tea should be virtually boiling. The water used for green tea should be much cooler, never more than 80 degrees Centigrade (176 degrees Fahrenheit). For high quality green tea, it is important to steep the tea in water that is about 50-60 degrees Centigrade (122-140 degrees Fahrenheit). This is to suppress catechin and activate the amino acids that are the key to green tea's refreshing taste. Generally, low grade quality green tea (most of tea bags) should be steeped in water that is heated to 70-80 degrees Centigrade (158-176 degrees Fahrenheit); this is lower than other teas, so as to minimize its bitter taste. If the water is too hot, or is allowed to remain too long on the leaves, the finest taste is lost and the bitter elements emerge. When preparing tea, add 50 cc of water (it should be boiled and then cooled to 50-60 degrees Centigrade) to 2 grams of tea per person, and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before drinking.

In order to prepare green tea in Korean way, we use a tea set usually consisting of a tea pot, three or five cups that are smaller than the English variety but larger than the little Chinese ones. In addition there is a large bowl for cooling the boiled hot water, with a lip for pouring the cooled water into the empty pot. The water in this large bowl is also used for warming the pot and cups before placing tea.

How to Serve and Drink Korean Green Tea

Dado is a Korean word literally meaning "the way of tea" or tea ceremony or more loosely etiquette involved when formally drinking tea. At first the different steps may seem complicated, but it does not take long to master them and to drink tea, alone or with others, to become a part of life. When one experiences this ceremony, one can fully understand that this ceremony is not for a show, and not that complicated and rigid as Japanese one, as Koreans feel that it is very important to remain natural while drinking tea together, although dado was also developed to help meditate and cleanse one's mind of needless thoughts. It is a way to enjoy all the pleasures the tea gives.

The process of pouring water and placing tea into a teapot is known as tooda. The placement of tea, depending on the order in which the water and tea are placed, can be known as upper placement, middle placement, or lower placement. In upper placement, the water is poured and then the tea is added. In middle placement, the water is poured halfway and then the tea is added, after which more water is poured. For lower placement, the tea is placed first and the water is then poured on top; this method is deemed more appropriate in the winter. In the summer, upper placement is preferred, whilst middle placement is suitable for the spring and autumn.
The first serving of a new batch of tea is poured directly into the cups, a little at a time, back and forward three times until the cups are filled, in order to spread equally the stronger tea that emerges from the bottom of the teapot. No water must remain in the pot, or it would develop the bitter taste that is so undesirable.

Korean green tea is usually drunk holding the cup in both hands. The first step is to view the color of the tea, the second to inhale its fragrance, the third to taste it on the tongue, the fourth to follow its taste in the throat, and finally there is the lingering aftertaste in the mouth to be enjoyed.

The water for the second and following cups can be a little hotter than that used for the first. The leaves having softened, the water needs to stand on them for only a very short moment, and then the tea is poured into the lipped bowl, which is passed around people serving themselves directly. This avoids passing cups back and forward. Ordinary green tea will usually have lost most of its flavor after serving three times, but very good tea may be used to make four or five rounds. The used tea leaves can be employed in a variety of ways: in cooking, in bathwater or as a hair-rinse, or to remove the smell from a refrigerator, etc.

Green Tea Health Benefits

Green tea has high contents of vitamin C, catechin and amino acids, all substances that for many years have been known to be great for your skin. Green tea is also a low-calorie drink and would be helpful for those trying to lose weight. Recently, "Yale University researchers detail the body of evidence linking green tea to better heart health and a lower risk of cancer (Reported by MSNBC)."

Korean Wooden Wedding Geese: a means of nonverbal communication between the married couple

2011-02-21T07:33:00.001-08:00

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The wooden geese are used even after they got married. They are used as a means of nonverbal communication between the couple. If the female goose turns her back as in this picture, it means the wife is sulky and doesn't want to talk to the husband.

Korean Wooden Wedding Geese

2011-02-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

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A couple of wooden geese is used in Korean traditional wedding since they symbolize a happily married couple who remains faithful to their partner their entire lives.

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites - extraordinary stone tombs that have lasted millennia

2011-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

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Korea has the largest concentration of dolmens in the world. These incredible Megalithic funerary monuments were constructed by prehistoric peoples over 3000 years ago.

The prehistoric cemeteries at Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa contain hundreds of dolmens - tombs constructed of large stone slabs dating back to the 1st millennium BC. They form part of the Megalithic Culture found all over the world, but nowhere in such a concentration than in Korea.

The global prehistoric technological and social phenomenon that resulted in the appearance in the 2nd and 3rd millennia BCE of funerary and ritual monuments constructed of large stones is nowhere more vividly illustrated than in the dolmen cemeteries of Gochang, Hwasun, and Gangwha.

Dolmens are Megalithic funerary monuments, which are numerous in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Korea has the greatest number of any country. The dolmens located in Korea are of great archaeological value for the information they provide about the prehistoric peoples who built them and their social and political systems, beliefs and rituals, arts and ceremonies, etc.

The Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa sites contain the highest number and greatest variety of dolmens in Korea, and indeed around the world. They also demonstrate the extraordinary ability of the prehistoric people 3000 years ago to quarry, transport and raise the stones, as well as how dolmen types changed over time in north-east Asia.

Hwaseong Fortress - a splendid battlement with a sorrowful history

2010-12-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

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A magnificent stronghold was built by an emperor at the end of the 18th century to house his beloved fathers remains.

When Emperor Joengjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) moved his father's tomb to Suwon city at the end of the 18th century, he surrounded it with strong defensive works designed by an influential military architect of the period. He erected massive walls that extended for nearly 6km, bastions and artillery towers, all to protect and honor his fathers remains.

Hwaseong Fortress is an outstanding example of early modern military architecture. Embracing the busy downtown area of the present Suwon city (the capital of Gyeonggi province, some 30km south of Seoul), it embodies Jeongjo's devotion to his father and his ideals for a modern administrative and commercial center with stalwart defense.

Hwaseong Fortress is of magnificent size. It spreads out over a widely changing landscape, from high mountain ridges overlooking a crowded urban center to a flatland park to a bustling marketplace surrounded by a densely populated neighborhood. The fortress looks remarkably different from most other ancient town walls and military fortifications scattered across the country. It is notable not only for its diverse functions but also for its visual originality and technical innovation involved in its design and construction.

Visitors are permitted to stroll along the fortress, and one may imagine the hopes and ambitions of the emperor as he built this magnificent fortification to create a robust city and to shield and shelter his city's inhabitants from invaders. For those who are inclined to historical romance, his tragic childhood experience and his noble affection for his parents adds a remorseful color to the excursion along the stronghold, punctuated with crenels and merlons and highlighted by lofty watch towers and secret gates leading down to dark labyrinths.

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Wood blocks - incredibly preserved Buddhist texts engraved on wood block

2010-12-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

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Master craftsmen engraved Buddhist texts onto blocks of wood nearly 800 years ago. They have been remarkably preserved, and are in near perfect condition.

The Temple of Haeinsa on Mount Kaya is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts in the world. These texts were incredibly engraved on 80,000 wooden blocks nearly 800 years ago during the Goryeo Dynasty, between the years 1237 and 1248. The buildings of Janggyeong Pangeon were built in the 15th century to house the wood blocks. As the oldest depository of the Tripitaka, the Janggyeong Pangeon reveals an astonishing mastery of the invention and implementation of conservation techniques used to preserve these exceptional works of art.

The World Heritage Committee inscribed this site on the World Heritage List because the Tripitaka Koreana is one of the most important and most complete bodies of Buddhist doctrinal texts in the world. In addition, the buildings in which the scriptures are housed are remarkable as they have preserved these ancient wooden texts against deterioration and disintegration due to age, environmental and weather conditions, insects, etc.

Even though nearly 800 years has been passed since the Tripitaka Koreana was carved, the wooden blocks on which the texts are engraved are in near perfect condition. The wooden blocks and the carefully, devotedly engraved words on them illustrate the superior craftsmanship of the artists.

This engraving of Buddhist manuscripts onto wooden blocks is the oldest example of this type of artwork on Earth. Therefore, these teachings are a wonderful example of Buddhist wisdom and knowledge.

At the same time, the Tripitaka Koreana has greatly influenced the early development of printing and publishing around the globe. Thus, the Tripitaka Koreana is a shining example of both the culture of the Goryeo Dynasty and of Buddhist history, both of which have enlightened the world.

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty - structural and natural magnificence to honor the ancestors

2010-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

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The ancient tradition of ancestral worship is perpetuated in modern times through the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Located in areas of sublime beauty, the tombs are sacred structures that inspire devotion.

The Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) are an outstanding example of a type of architectural ensemble that illustrates a significant stage in the development of Korean burial mounds. The royal tombs, with their place in nature and their unique and regularized configuration of buildings and structures, manifest and reinforce the centuries-old tradition and living practice of ancestral worship.

The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty form a collection of 40 tombs scattered over 18 locations across the country. Built over five centuries, from 1408 to 1966, the tombs honored the memory of ancestors, showed respect for their achievements, asserted royal authority, protected ancestral spirits from evil and provided protection from vandalism. The Joseon Tombs completes the 5,000 year history of royal tombs architecture in the Korean peninsula.

The ensemble of structures that comprise the Royal Tombs features a ceremonial area and an entrance, alongside the burial mounds. In addition, associated buildings that are an integral part of the tombs include a T-shaped wooden shrine, a shed for stele, a royal kitchen and a guards house, a red-spiked gate and the tomb keepers house. The grounds are adorned with a range of stone objects, many featuring figures of people and animals.

The tombs were built in places of outstanding natural beauty, with the back side of the tombs protected by a hill as they face south toward water and, ideally, with mountain ridges visible in the distance.

Within the context of Confucian cultures, the integrated approach of the Royal Tombs of Joseon with nature and the universe has resulted in a distinctive and significant funeral tradition in Korea. The beautiful natural surroundings of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, shaped by the principles of pungsu (feng shui in Chinese), create a delicate, sacred setting for the living tradition of ancestral worship and its associated rites in modern times.

Jongmyo Shrine - a magnificent monument to memorialize Koreas deceased kings

2010-11-29T06:48:00.000-08:00

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Built in the 16th century, Jongmyo Shrine is a wonderful example of Confucian architecture. Both grand and minimalist, it exudes the dignity and majesty of Koreas deceased kings that it venerates.

Jongmyo is the oldest Confucian royal shrine in Korea and is magnificently preserved to this day. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), the shrine was built in the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back some 500 years.

In Korean culture (and in many cultures throughout Asia), traditional rites are deemed highly important in modern society to preserve and maintain basic social order. There are a number of important rituals in Korea, the most significant of these being the Jongmyo and the Sajik rituals.

Jongmyo is the term used for a place where memorial services are performed for deceased kings, while Sajik is the term for a place where services for the gods of earth and crops are performed. These symbolic rituals ensure social order and the successful ruling of the nation.

Consequently, due to the significance of these rituals, the Jongmyo and Sajik shrines where these rituals are performed are classic in their architectural grace, detail and beauty. Although such facilities existed in Korea as early as the Three Kingdoms Period (57 B.C.-668 A.D.), those that remain today in Seoul are from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Jeongjeon, the main hall, is comprised of 19 identical rooms that are all minimalist in design with no ornamentation. However, the building as a whole is impressive in its grandeur, with 20 thick round pillars boldly projecting the dignity and majesty of royalty. In front of Jeongjeon is a remarkable elevated stone yard called Woldae, which is used during ceremonies by musicians, dancers and other participants. Woldae wonderfully complements the architecture of the main hall, with the large stone blocks comprising the yard creating a striking and solemn atmosphere as they lay in silence before Jeongjeon.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex - a splendid palace in harmony with nature

2010-11-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

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Changdeokgung Palace Complex was built in the 15th century with careful consideration given to its natural surroundings. It is a superb example of a man-made structure blending harmoniously with the beauty of the landscape.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex is an outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design, exceptional for the way in which the buildings are integrated into and harmonized with the landscape, adapting to the topography and leaving the surrounding indigenous trees to grow and flourish in their natural beauty.

During the Joseon Dynasty in the early 15th century, Emperor Taejong ordered the construction of a new palace at an auspicious site, and the Changdeokgung Palace Complex was built. Located in Seoul, it has more structures preserved than any other palace from that period and covers a total area of 580,000 square meters. Consisting of a number of official and residential buildings, the palace complex - including the Secret Garden - was created in a lovely garden space that was cleverly adapted to the uneven topography of the site.

A particularly distinctive feature of Changdeokgung Palace is the fact that it was built with little effect on the natural environment and was designed to be in harmony with nature. Buildings were designed and constructed to blend easily with the immediate surroundings and even directions were given for careful consideration in planning and building. Space was utilized to provide distinctly different yet harmonious views and atmospheres throughout the palace grounds. The result is an exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, unifying peacefully with the surrounding landscape.

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes - an extraordinary island of dramatic volcanic landscapes

2010-11-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

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A popular destination spot for tourists, Jeju Island - with its shield volcanoes, lava tubes and tuff cones - offers visitors a glimpse into the evolution of the Earth's topography.

Jeju Island, the southernmost territory of the Republic of Korea, is renowned the world over for being popular with both domestic and international tourists. A place of unmistakable beauty and one of the finest places in the country to view the splendor of Korea's four seasons, it is also noted for being a volcanic island, bearing testimony to the history of our planet. The island grew up from the sea floor as a result of volcanic activities that began approximately 1.2 million years ago.

There are three main sites on Jeju Island. Geomunoreum is regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere on the planet, with its multi-colored carbonate roofs and floors, and dark-colored lava walls. The fortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone rising out of the ocean bestows a dramatic landscape. And Mount Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea at 1950 meters above sea level, boasts picturesque waterfalls, multi-shaped rock formations, and a lake-filled crater

The diverse volcanic landscapes on Jeju Island, resulting from volcanic activities, are still developing and are well worth visiting. These include the shield volcano, exemplified by those forming around Mt. Hallasan; the small-scale parasitic volcanoes, represented by Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone; and the lava tubes formed in the basaltic lava flows. Together, these volcanic features form a significant portion of the world's natural reserve.

Avian and hominid footprint fossils have also been found on Jeju Island. Some of the lava tubes contain artifacts used by prehistoric human beings, and scientists believe these early inhabitants of the island used the lava tubes for shelter or as sacred places.

Seokguram Grotto - an extraordinary Buddhist cave temple built by hand

2010-11-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

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This phenomenal cave temple houses a large, exquisitely carved Buddha statue looking out to sea. The artificial cave, built on top of a mountain, was constructed using complex mathematical theories 1200 years ago.

Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra position looking toward the sea. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all realistically and delicately sculpted in high and low relief, it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. Together the Seokguram Grotto and the nearby Temple of Bulguksa form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance.

Overlooking the East Sea from the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Seokguram stands as a proud testimony to Korea's exceptional tradition of classical Buddhist sculpture. The centuries-old cave temple, enclosing an extraordinary collection of sculptured divinities symbolizing Buddhist philosophy and aestheticism, is a structure of exquisite beauty culminating religious belief, science and fine arts, which flowered in the golden age of Asian art.

Seokguram is located near the summit of Mt. Toham, east of the historic city of Gyeongju, which was the capital of the Silla Kingdom from 57B.C.- A.D.935. Quite remote, it is reached after an hour-long walk up a steep, winding mountain path over some four kilometers from the nearby Temple of Bulguksa.

One of Korea's most popular tourist destinations, Seokguram differs in construction from cave temples in India and China where Buddhism flourished before arriving in Korea. The cave pantheons in India and China were mostly built by digging into hillsides and carving on natural rocks. Instead, at Seokgurm, an incredible artificial cave was created using great granite stones high on the mountain some 750 meters above sea level. The unique architectural technique used to construct Seokguram is unprecedented the world over.

Highlighted by the majestic seated Buddha with a serene, all-knowing expression as the primary object of worship, Seokguram enshrines an impressive assembly of 40 different divinities embodying various aspects of Buddhist teaching. The grotto chapel has an exceptional feeling of peace and harmony resulting in an intense spiritual impression. Modern scientists studying the history of Seokguram have discovered that, aside from the incredible skill needed to handle solid granite, the Silla architects used complex mathematical equations including the geometric theories of the golden rectangle and symmetry to construct the cave temple. Seokguram is an ancient architectural marvel indeed.

Bulguksa Temple - a masterpiece of beauty and Buddhist belief

2010-11-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

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This ancient temple complex is an exquisite example of Far Eastern religious art. It is a survivor: it has endured fire and war, and stands today embodying beauty, grace and equanimity.

The Temple of Bulguksa is the grand centerpiece of a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance. Built in the year 774, Bulguksa has been inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List as a masterpiece of Far Eastern Buddhist art. The temple complex is not only an outstanding example of religious architecture of the region, but also of the material expression of Buddhist belief.

As the name indicates, Bulguksa was designed to be an illumination of the blissful state of the Buddha in the present world. It was intended to embody the happy land where the mortal being is released from the suffering of life by following the teachings of the Buddha or the Lotus Land, as promised in the Avatamsaka Sutra. This embodiment of the Lotus Land offered the theoretical foundation for the construction of the temple. Thus, the purpose of the temple design was two-fold it was to be faithful to the teachings of the Buddha, and it was to be beautiful.

Among the many treasures of Bulguksa, the distinguished pair of pagodas in the main courtyard has a unique and unparalled history. The two dynamic and distinct stone pagodas, standing some 100 feet apart, have survived for over 12 centuries, withstanding the flames of war that engulfed and destroyed all of the temple's original wooden structures. None of the some thousand stone pagodas scattered across Korea excel them for their profound philosophical depth and aesthetic charm. They are a perfect pair, as the princely dignity and simplicity of the Seokga Pagoda dramatically enhances the complexity of the lavishly decorated Pagoda of Many Treasures.

The Seokga Pagoda is also called the "Pagoda without Reflections", denoting the sad legend of Asanyeo, wife of the Baekje mason, Asadal, who built the pagoda. The poor woman came to Gyeongju to see her husband as years had passed without any news from him. As no outsiders were allowed into the holy building site, she was told to wait by a pond near the temple until the completed pagoda cast a reflection in the water. She waited in vain.?No reflection appeared, and she finally threw herself into the pond.

World Heritage Tour in Korea: Gyeongju Historic Areas - a unique outdoor museum

2010-11-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

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This region of the country houses a wonderful collection of Korean Buddhist art from the ancient Silla Kingdom, which can be found both above and below ground.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas encompasses a remarkable concentration of wonderful examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces, including the renowned Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Gyeongju City and its surroundings have inherited traces of the glory of this unique artistic expression that blossomed and withered in the ancient Silla Kingdom (BC 57 - AD 935).

Excavations of this delightful city and its outer reaches reveal a treasure trove of buried secrets. The ruins of Wolseong, the Half Moon Palace; many temple and fortress sites, including Hwangnyongsa, the Temple of the Yellow Dragon; the exquisite astronomical observatory of Cheomseongdae; huge royal mounds; and ancient wells and bridges have provided a wealth of archaeological data.From royal tombs and palace sites, to stone sculptures and rock-cut reliefs of the Buddha, to pottery buried for more than a millennia, Gyeongju holds thousands of relics within its noble embrace that embody Buddhist teachings and compassion.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas comprises a wealth of beautiful and wondrous artifacts for studying Buddhist culture and the arts of the Far East, as well as for studying the techniques of the ancient kingdoms most talented and gifted craftsmen. This area is considered to be an outdoor museum, where this magnificent collection of beautiful examples of Korean Buddhist art is housed within nature.

Temple Stay: Temple Tour

2010-10-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

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A large number of Korea's cultural assets are Buddhist in nature - more than 65% in fact. Buddhist temples are among the most impressive and comprehensive of these assets, preserving a variety of national cultural assets such as architecture, sculpture, crafts and paintings. These represent religious and artistic creations spanning from the 7th century in the Three Kingdoms Period through the Joseon Dynasty, which ended in 1910.

Temples utilize and display traditional architecture, and house and utilize other historical assets like paintings, Dancheong (Buddhist ways of coloring), Seungmu (Buddhist dancing), and Bumpae (Buddhist music). Korean traditions are maintained by temples as living arts.

Most Korean temples are located deep in the mountains. This is a unique aspect of Korean Buddhist culture. Temples blend harmoniously with their natural environment, enhancing the landscape and embodying serenity. One can feel at peace in such a place, and also experience traditional Korean culture at these sites.

Temple Stay: Daily Rites -- Ulyeok (Community Work)

2010-10-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

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Ulyeok means residents in the temple all work together. Ulyeok represents Korean Seon tradition well. One rule of Seon is a day without work is a day without food. All Korean temples keep this rule, and it is not merely an admonishment, but in the self-sufficient life in a remote Buddhist temple it is an axiom of practicality.

Normally Ulyeok starts after breakfast, and may include farming, cleaning the living quarters or sweeping the courtyard. This is not just physical work, but should be seen as another way of practicing and developing patience and discipline. While not as intensive as Seon meditation, the rhythmic routine of basic work affords a strong foundation for the monks' daily practice.

Also, after meditating, reading sutras, and worship, monks find Ulyeok relaxing. Sweeping autumn leaves from the courtyard or snow from the pathways provides an opportunity to relate quietly with nature and with each other in the community of work. Taking part in Ulyeok is a way for visitors to express gratitude to the hosts, and to join in an important daily ritual.

Temple Stay: Daily Rites -- Dado (Tea Ceremony)

2010-10-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

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Making and enjoying good tea is one of the practices of the Buddhist religion. Koreans say that there are several ways to enjoy good tea. One should start off by enjoying the sounds of water boiling, and then relaxing with the soothing aroma of tea and seeing its soft and subtle colors. Lastly, one can feel the warmth of the tea radiating through the cup as they slowly savor the taste.

The Korean tradition of drinking tea features neither the formality of Japan nor the popular daily routines of China and the West. It is somewhere in between, with the freedom of being neither totally monastic nor totally secular.

For centuries, Seon meditators have enjoyed tea drinking as a means of reflecting upon themselves, nature, and the principles of the universe. Predecessors have said that tea drinking affords the opportunity to quietly appreciate the tea fragrance, color and beauty; and by striving for truth in this, tea drinking can lead one to the world of enlightenment, thereby making the concentration in tea drinking a form of Seon in itself. This gave rise to the saying, "Seon and tea are the same flavor."

Temple Stay: Daily Rites -- Balwoo-gongyang (Communal Buddhist Meal Service)

2010-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

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Even taking a meal is part of a monk's religious practice. Before eating, a monk thinks in gratitude of the countless number of people who were involved, directly or indirectly, in the production, processing and preparation of the meal. He also thinks of the endless number of beings suffering from hunger and starvation. And he thinks of the equality and harmony of the community of monks he is sharing the meal with. The true Korean Buddhist meal offering (Balwoo-gongyang, literally "Bowl Offering") is one in which the participant strives to keep in mind the law of interdependence of everything and, consequently, great compassion for all sentient beings.

The meal offering is conducted in the half-lotus position and in total silence, without even the wooden spoons and chopsticks making a sound, and not a single grain of rice is wasted. There is no talking, with the monks chanting being the only words uttered in this stirring ritual.

Temple Stay: Daily Rites -- Seon (Zen) Meditation

2010-10-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

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Seon is a form of meditation similar to Zen that allows a person to reflect on oneself. Korea is renowned for retaining this outstanding meditation tradition that continues to flourish today. Korean Buddhism proudly continues the meditation tradition with two 3-month intensive retreats, one in the summer and one in the winter.

All Buddhist traditions include some form of meditation, and Seon is way to practice meditation in Mahayana Buddhism. This meditation brings an end to the 'monkey mind' that we all experience so that our minds become clear and we can return to our original self. There are many other terms for this return to the original self, including enlightenment, awakening, and realizing one's Buddha nature.

Temple Stay: Daily Rites -- Yebul (Pre-dawn Ceremony)

2010-10-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

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In the pre-dawn darkness, the gentle, rhythmic sound of the Moktak (wooden gong) and the chants of a monk break the silence, awakening everyone within the temple grounds. The melodic chanting is followed by the playing of four larger percussion instruments - the drum, the wooden fish, the cloud gong, and the large bell.

Then, after everyone has filed into the Main Buddha Hall, the pre-dawn homage service begins - chanting to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Predecessors. This ritual has been performed daily in Korean temples for as long as can be remembered. The sound of chanting echoing in the halls of large temples is particularly moving.

What is a Temple Stay?

2010-10-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

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Temple stays are a unique opportunity for foreign tourists to live in a Buddhist temple and learn about and experience Korean Buddhist culture firsthand. Most temples are located deep in the mountains, so visitors can also fully enjoy the beauty of nature. Through spiritual training such as Seon (Zen) meditation and Buddhist rites, guests achieve the kind of peace of mind that is so needed in the modern world. A temple stay is an enriching experience that recharges the soul and spirit, eases stress, and teaches visitors about traditional Korean Buddhist culture.

The basic program at a temple includes Buddhist rites, Seon meditation, tea ceremonies, and Balwoo-gongyang (Buddhist meal with traditional wooden bowls). There are many other activities to participate in, such as lotus lantern making, impression making with ink and paper, and Buddhist beads threading.

Temple Stay - a spiritual journey in search of serenity

2010-10-08T02:52:00.000-07:00

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Is your everyday work tough to breathe? Come to Korea and stay in the most beautiful temples in the world. You will find peace of mind and let the stresses of modern life melt away.

Korea Tour

2010-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

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We just launched new tour page on our site. Visit and enjoy this beautiful "land of morning calm," Korea!

Lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-09-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

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Produced after an arduous, time-consuming creating process made only by hand, this octagonal lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design exhibits the amazing craftsmanship and artistry of Korean mother of pearl crafts.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Lacquer Scraping -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-09-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is the final process. After final drying, the artist delicately scrapes out lacquer coated on mother of pearl design to let it emit the iridescent color.

Final Drying -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-09-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Seventh drying is the final drying. The artist dries the tray on the wooden drying rack in the shade for a day. It needs a special facility for best drying. The drying house has to be a half-sealed room with no dust at all for drying evenly over the entire surface.

Sixth Lacquering and Drying -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-09-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

After inlaying mother of pearl, the artist applies fifth coat of natural lacquer to the surface and dries it. Then the artist sands the surface again with sandpaper soaked in water. The artist repeats this process; the sixth lacquering and drying.

Inlaying Mother of Pearl -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

After fourth lacquering and drying, the artist applies the unique fish glue made from the air bladder of a type of fish to the surface. Then the artist inlays mother of pearl designs one-by-one onto the surface. The mother of pearl designs are delicately jigsaw-cut by skilled artisans.

Wet Sanding -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is a unique process. After fourth drying, the artist sands the surface with sandpaper soaked in water. It makes the surface much smoother. Then the artist applies fourth coat of natural lacquer to the surface and dries it in the drying house for a day.

Third Drying and Sanding -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

After filling cracks, the artist dries it once more for a day. Then the artist sands the surface again with sandpaper and applies third coat of natural lacquer to the surface.

Filling Cracks -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

After second sanding and lacquering, the artist dries it once more for a day. Then the artist makes a thick paste by mixing lacquer and yellow soil powder and fills the cracks between assembled wood panels.

Second Sanding and Lacquering -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

After drying for one day, the artist sands the lacquered surface with sandpaper again and applies the second coat of natural lacquer to the surface. Then the artist dries it in the drying house for a day.

First Drying -- How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

After the first lacquering, the artist dries it on the wooden drying rack in the shade for a day. It needs a special facility for best drying. The drying house has to be a half-sealed room with no dust at all for drying evenly over the entire surface.

How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design -- First Lacquering

2010-08-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

After sanding the surface with sandpaper, the artist applies the first coat of natural lacquer to the surface with a brush. In this step, a full and even coat of lacquer is important. It needs a skilled brushing that can be acquired only from the repeated training for a long time.

How to create a lacquered wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design

2010-08-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

From today, I will post the process of creating a wonderful wooden tray inlaid with mother of pearl bat design.

It starts with plain wooden tray early made for this. It's uniquely designed octagonal tray. First job is rubbing the surface smooth with sandpaper.

The Elegance - Haegeum (Korean two-stringed vertical fiddle) Solo by Noh Eun-Ah

2010-07-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

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This album presents original pieces of music presenting the unique tune of Haegeum through the authentic performance by Noh Eun-Ah. Haegeum is a Korean traditional two-stringed vertical fiddle which is one of the representative string instruments used in many traditional Korean musical genres. Each piece features the wonderful harmony between Haegeum's distinctive tone and the melodious background music of western instruments.

The Labyrinth: Hwang Byung-Ki Gayageum Masterpiece Vol. 3

2008-10-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

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This album features original pieces composed and performed in 1960's and 1970's. They were considered as one of the most progressive Korean contemporary music. Especially "The Labyrinth" performed with Hong Sin-Cha, an internationally acclaimed, avant-garde artist and choreographer, made a great impact on Korean music world.

Poongjuk - Korean Tea Ceremony Music

2008-09-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

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This album features original solo pieces composed for tea ceremony played with various Korean traditional musical instruments such as Daegeum (large bamboo transverse flute), Danso (notched vertical bamboo flute), Tungso (notched end-blown vertical bamboo flue), Piri (Bamboo Oboe) and Sogeum (small bamboo transverse flute).

Dance - Trio and Quartet for Gayageum, Haegeum and Piri

2008-08-14T09:28:00.000-07:00

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This album features original trio and quartet pieces composed by Park Bum-Hoon for representative Korean traditional musical instruments such as Gayageum (Korean traditional zither), Haegeum (Korean traditional two-stringed vertical fiddle) and Piri (Korean Bamboo Oboe).

Yeo-Chang Gagok by Yi Jun-Ah

2008-07-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

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This album leads to the wonderful world of Gagok, a traditional Korean vocal music. Gagok is a representative vocal genre appreciated by the scholars of the Joseon period (1392-1910). It uses Sijo, traditional Korean poetry with fixed forms, for its texts. Accompaniments and interludes are played by a small ensemble of traditional Korean musical instruments. Performed since around 16th century, Gagok has been passed on until today, undergoing many changes and generating variations.

Gagok has two kinds of modes, the Gyemyeon mode (Gyemyeonjo) and the U mode (Ujo). The former and latter are each compared to the major and minor scale respectively. In addition to the two modes, Ban-U-Ban-Gye, which begins in the U mode but modulates to the Gyemyeon mode, is used. Also, there are 26 pieces for men and 15 for women.

The texts of the male songs (Nam-Chang) are generally masculine and animated. Also, unlike the female songs, male songs are sung only in natural voice and not in falsetto. The texts of the female songs (Yeo-Chang) are usually feminine and sad. Unlike male songs, the female songs use both natural voice and falsetto.

Daegeum (Korean Bamboo Flute) Sanjo

2008-06-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

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This album presents the masterful performance of Daegeum, a Korean traditional large bamboo transverse wind instrument which has a buzzing membrane that gives it a special timbre, by the master Lee Saeng-Kang. Daegeum dates back to 7th century Shilla dynasty. It is one of three transverse flutes, the large Daegeum, the medium-sized Junggeum, and the small Sogeum.

Daegeum has one blowing hole, six finger holes, and an extra hole covered with a thin membrane called Cheong (located between the blowing hole and finger holes). Cheong is a white resonant membrane cut from a reed's inner film which makes this instrument produce a distinctive buzzing sound that is refined and calm. There are two different types of Daegeum: Jeong-ak Daegeum (for classical and court music) and Sanjo Daegeum (for folk music). Of all Korean wind instruments, the Daegeum produces the softest and most graceful tone.

On the Road - 50th Anniversary of Kim Duk-Soo's Debut

2008-05-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

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This album is the musical recording celebrating Kim Duk-Soo's 50th anniversary as a musical performer. It presents an illustration of the footprints on his musical journey with the younger generation and his students; Red Sun band; and the hip-hop group Square of his loving son, Yong-hoon. They sang of impassioned hope, Kim Duk-Soo's past, and their future on the road.

Improvisation by Baek In-Young

2008-04-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

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This album presents the improvisation based on traditional Korean musical aesthetics and the unique naturalism in music arising from natural Korean instruments. It also provides the audience with a chance to feel the very pulse of improvisation flowing in the veins of Korean traditional music.

Seoul Goot - Korean Shaman Ritual Performance

2008-04-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

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This unique album presents Kim Hye-Ran's magnificent Goot performance. Goot is a Korean shamanistic ritual done since ancient times to wish for a town's peace and a family's well-being. It's a symbol of Korean culture and shamanistic tradition. Goot mainly consists of music and dance. The main element of Goot is the female shaman, who sings and dances with food offerings. She asks ghosts to control the turbulence of life. Goot has a number of types and differs by region. The Goot in this album is the one of Seoul, which developed as a national Goot held in the royal court.

Pansori Sugung-ga Part I by Nam Hae-Sung

2008-04-19T02:25:00.001-07:00

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This album leads to the wonderful world of Pansori, a traditional Korean art form combining storytelling and music, through the magnificent performance of a master Pansori singer Nam Hae-Sung. She particularly presents Sugung-ga (the song of the underwater palace), one of five extant Pansoris.

Sugung-ga is based on the story of the Dragon King of the Southern Sea, a turtle, and a wily rabbit. The king is suffering from an ailment that can be cured only with the liver of a rabbit. The King thereupon summons all the ministers to look for the liver of a rabbit on the ground. The turtle volunteers his service to journey to a forest and return with a rabbit. In Sugung-ga animals satirize beings, thus showing the world as it really is. From the expression of the various aspects of human nature through the music, the listener is able to hear the composer's consciousness and appreciate the perfection of his work.

The story is set in three different places: from the underwater palace to land, to the palace again and then back to land. The most beautiful music occurs in the third scene change where the hero, a rabbit, deceives the Dragon King and escapes. This part begins with the rabbit yelling, "Open my stomach?" (to remove his liver, which was thought to have medical qualities) to his cursing the turtle after arriving back on land. This part, in which the rabbit calls the turtle names, is made up of the unique musical idioms of Kyeongdurum, which is also called Kyeong-jo, refers to the supposed singing style of Seoul.

Gayageum (twelve-stringed Korean zither) Sanjo – Sung Gum-yeon Style

2008-04-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

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Sanjo, literally meaning scattered melody, is a genre of traditional Korean folk music, involving an instrumental solo accompanied by drumming on the Janggu, an hourglass-shaped drum. Sanjo was established by the famous Gayageum player Kim Chang-jo at the end of the 19th century. He gained great renown and had tremendous influence on future generations. Many masters of Gayageum Sanjo followed Kim Changjo and Sanjo was also developed for other instruments such as Geomungo and Daeguem. Then all the important Korean melodic instruments have developed this genre. Sanjo became the most important genre of solo instrumental performance today.

Because Sanjo was not written down and had to be learned entirely by heart, many great players not only performed the melodies they learned from their teachers, but added new ones to those they inherited, to suit their own taste and mood, thus creating their own unique Sanjo. Although there were many Gayageum Sanjos that came about in this way, only about a dozen are extant.

Sung Gum-yeon style is outstanding of these. Its melodies are in themselves musical gems. They are at once radiant and beautiful, ad but sweet, fanciful but natural, soft but lively, sumptuous but refined melodies that embody the Korean ideal of feminine beauty. When Gayageum players hear this Sanjo, they compare it to the reflection of a splendid flower in a clear, cool mountain stream. If Sanjo is the flower of Korean music, Sung Gum-yeon Sanjo is the flower among flowers.

A Feeling of Love by Piri Performer Kim Kyung-A

2008-04-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

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This album includes original pieces of music presenting the unique tune of Piri (Korean Bamboo Oboe) through the authentic performance by Kim Kyung-A. Each piece features the wonderful harmony between Piri's distinctive tone and the melodious background music of western instruments. The 5th and 9th piece presents the exotic sound of Taepyeongso.

Piri is a Korean double reed bamboo oboe with eight finger holes, one in back for the thumb and seven in front, used in both the folk and classical court music. Its large reed and cylindrical bore gives it a sound mellower than that of many other types of oboe.

Taepyeongso, literally "great peace flute," is a conical wooden oboe with eight finger holes, a metal mouthpiece, and a cup-shaped metal bell. It produces a loud and piercing sound and is used for farmers' band music, traditional military band music and some folk music.

Shin Kwe-Dong Style Geomungo Sanjo by Kim Young-Jae

2008-04-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

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This album presents the masterful performance of Geomungo, a six-stringed Korean bass zither plucked with a short bamboo rod which is held in the right hand, and producing majestic deep sounds, by the master Kim Young-Jae.

It is widely believed that Geomungo Sanjo was originated by Baek Nak-Jun at the end of Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Sanjo is a genre of traditional Korean folk music, involving an instrumental solo accompanied by drumming on the Janggu, an hourglass-shaped drum. The moment his Geomungo Sanjo had been known to the public, it was envied by many critics but soon its hiking popularity outshined them. It's due to Back Nak-Jun's brilliant musical creativity and Geomungo's great performing potentiality.

Though Geomungo has its remarkable superiority, it is very difficult to learn and play, and the more so to master the quintessence of Geomungo Sanjo. Kim Young-Jae was taught by Shin Kwe-Dong, who was one of three disciples of Baek Nak-Jun, to inherit Geomungo Sanjo for his lifetime and now has gained his position as a virtuoso. Kim Young-Jae inherits the orthodox of Shin Kwe-Dong and of Baek Nak-Jun in nature.

The characteristics of Shin Kwe-Dong style Geomungo Sanjo are that it generally comprises of daring, bold rhythm and beat. It presents Nonghyeon (various vibrations and hand movements exerted on the string) having the rhythm of intensity and the beats of affability, the graceful use of plectrum, evenly scaled resonance, and the solidly arranged structure throughout the whole Sanjo scale.

Samulnori - Percussion Quartet Band Music

2008-04-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

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Samulnori ("samul" means "four things" and "nori" means "to play") is a percussion quartet comprised of a buk (barrel drum), a janggu (hourglass-shaped drum), a jing (gong), and a kkwaenggwari (small gong). Its rhythmic patterns are derived from pungmulgut (folk and religious music) or nongak (farmers' band music) which are performed outdoors with acrobatic and dance movements. Samulnori was created by extracting dynamical and elaborated rhythmic patterns from pungmulgut for indoor performance in 1978. The principle of samulnori is the alternation of tension and relaxation. While improvising rhythms based on several rhythmic patterns, the performers seek to achieve a perfect integration of the four percussion instruments.

Samulnori has performed all over the world and has collaborated with many highly acclaimed musicians from around the world from a variety of styles of music ranging from jazz to pop.

Samulnori play the harmony of cosmos linking up nature and human being in accordance with the rule of Yin and Yang's change. Each instrument is associated with an element in nature.

Kkwaenggwari (small gong) is made mainly of brass with trace of gold or silver. It is hand held and played with a bamboo mallet. One hand holds the mallet while the other hand is responsible for dampening the sound produced. The player of this instrument often plays the role of leader, signaling transitions in the music. As each instrument is associated with an element in nature, the kkwaenggwari is related to lightening.

The Jing is a large gong that is struck with a padded stick. This instrument can be played in a number of ways: hung on a frame, hand-held by handle, or played with two hands. Jing should make an osculating sound, imitating the shape of the valleys of Korea. Thus, Jing is associated with the wind.

The Janggu is often called the hourglass drum, referring to its shape. The drum has two sides, each with a different type of leather skin. One side produces a high pitched sound. This instrument is associated with rain.

The Buk is a barrel drum, made of a piece of hollow out wood and two leather skins tied to the wood. It is played by a single stick and provides the bass sounds of the group. The buk is related to the cloud.

Seon (Zen) - Buddhist Meditation Music of Korea

2008-04-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

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This is a truly unique album introducing Korean Buddhist music. This recording presents the beautiful harmony of Kim Young-Dong's performance and Buddhist ceremony of monastery members of SongGwang-Sa, one of the three greatest Buddhist temples of Korea, which has been known to have inherited Buddhist meditation training tradition in Korea.

“Pure White” Moon Jar

2008-04-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

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This voluminous white porcelain jar exhibits a benevolent and gracious generosity, like a full moon spreading its brilliance over a gentle hill, embracing all those bathed in its light. With its perfect global form, unique only to Korea and the Joseon Dynasty, this type of “moon jar” is often considered to be the quintessence of Joseon ceramics.

One of the greatest masterpieces by Master Potter Kim Jeong-ok, this pure white porcelain jar fascinates collectors as its color subtly changes in hue and shade when looked upon from different angles and in different lights. A river of delicately changing white color flows gently through the middle of this jar, like the Milky Way streaming through the night sky.

Lacquered Comb Box Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Longevity and Good Fortune Design

2008-04-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

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Presented under the title of “A Union of Hemp Cloth, Mother of Pearl and Lacquer,” this traditional Najeon Chilgi comb box is the latest masterpiece by Song Bang-ung, Master Craftsman of Mother-of-Pearl Inlaying. Here the artist used a range of original techniques in which hemp cloth is laid upon the “skeleton” of the box before repeated applying of natural lacquer, until the fine mesh of the fabric is beautifully displayed on the surfaces.

The inlaid mother of pearl designs edged with fine copper braids, following the Goryeo Dynasty’s unique “copper braids inlaying technique,” create this exquisite comb box’s elegant beauty through the wonderful harmony of colors of copper and mother of pearl.

Wood Amitabha Buddha Triad in Portable Shrine

2008-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

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This little Buddhist shrine, which when folded up is cylindrical in shape, is a reproduction of a portable shrine carried by a traveling Buddhist monk or nun long ago. Amitabha Budda, in the central part of the shrine, is assisted by two bodhisattvas, Munsu (or Manjusri Bodhisattva) who represents Great Wisdom, and Bohyeon (or Samantabhadra Bodhisattva) who represents Universal Virtue.

This shrine is made of torreya wood and is finished by applying fragrant jeondanhyang oil, which protects the shrine from harmful insects and decay. Also known to have been the material used for the carving of the first Buddha image in ancient India, jeondanhyang wood is more expensive than gold.

Widely regarded as one of the masterpieces by Park Chan-soo, this exquisite piece is the result of three years of arduousness, in which the artist depended on only traditional carving tools. This work of art shows the zenith of elaborateness sculpted by human hands.

Bed Side Chest with Double Joy Ornaments

2008-04-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

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The beauty of Korean traditional wooden furniture lies in the grain of the wood from which it is made. For Korean Master Carpenter specialized in making this type of furnishings, no artificial beauty can exceed the loveliness of what is natural. They prefer highlighting the material’s natural patterns and forms, rather than adding artificial ornaments or colors. They shun metal nails because these ‘alien’ objects can damage the wood's beauty borne from the landscape, and instead, fit the parts of the work together by making grooves and holes. The result of such meticulous methods is a fine piece of furniture, in which the dynamic, elegant lines and forms of nature are kept intact. Korean traditional furniture possesses its creator’s revered love of nature, interwoven with its exquisitely refined grace.

This fine bedside chest is made of five different types of wood fitted together using traditional techniques to create a solid structure with a fine design: Paulownia for the sides, Tree-of-Heaven for the top, Zelkova for the rest of the chest, and Black Persimmon and Ginko for the edges between rectangular figures at the front. The Paulownia sides are 'ironed' to make the natural grain more beautiful, a unique technique of Korean traditional furnishing.

The arrangement of colors and geographic patterns made of five different types of wood creates wonderful harmony with the metal butterfly ornaments, exemplifying the essence of traditional Korean furniture's beauty.

Celadon Prunus Vase Inlaid with Clouds, Cranes, and Lightning Patterns

2008-04-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

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Korean Celadon porcelain is renowned the world over for its exquisite inlaid designs, voluminous form, elegantly-curved lines and mysterious color, the color of the sky after a rainstorm during an autumn afternoon.

This full-bodied prunus vase possessing an elegant form and the mysterious color of celadon is inlaid with white clouds and lightning patterns, as well as black and white cranes. The floating cloud and freely flying crane designs representing eternity, combined with the color of autumn sky, gives the viewer the sensation of looking at a piece of heaven.

Triple-Jewel Maedeup (Korean Macrame Art) Pendant with Heavenly Amber Beads

2008-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

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Norigae, or pendant trinket with a maedeup ornament, is a customary fashion item worn on the breast tie or the waist of hanbok, the traditional Korean dress. Usually Korean people preferred a pendant with an odd number of maedeup tassels, usually one and three. Three is particularly favored because it is regarded as a sacred number.

Luxuriously ornamented with three rows of triple amber beads symbolizing the 3000 heavens of Buddhism and three pairs of decorative knots of wang (a Chinese character meaning ‘king’) on the tassel heads, this type of pendant was once only worn by a queen.

Bamboo Blind with Red Threads featuring “Double Joy” and Tortoise Design

2008-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite traditional Korean bamboo blind is made with fine bamboo strips less than 1mm thick, often called ‘bamboo threads,’ which require extraordinary skill to produce. A normal-size blind entails a number of amazing figures: 2,500 bamboo strips; corresponding to approximately 100 bamboo canes; more than 300,000 hand movements; and about three or four months in order to complete one single blind.

The Chinese character, “Hui,” meaning “Double Joy,” surrounded by a tortoise motif is exquisitely woven with red threads into the blind. The fine bamboo strips and delicate thread weaving are unique features of Korean bamboo blinds.

By using this Korean bamboo screen, a material so magnificently woven that it is often described as bamboo silk, one can delight in the incredibly unique and serene ambiance of the dim outside view seen through the blind, the cool shade inside the house provided by the blind and the beautiful rhythmic movements of the tassel pendants that gently move in the breeze.

Three-tiered Cabinet Inlaid with Ox-horn Design

2008-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

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This marvelous three-tired cabinet is created by ox-horn inlaying techniques solely developed in Korea. The paper-thin ox-horn pieces, brilliantly painted on the reverse side with diverse auspicious animals and plants discernible through to the foreground, were inlayed onto the surface of this cabinet to create a vivid three-dimensional effect.

White Jade Dragon and Haetae Incense Burner

2008-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

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This magnificent jade incense burner is carved with many chains and heads of dragons and Haetae, each holding a magic pearl that can roll around within its mouth when the wind blows, from a single jade block, amazingly without gluing. Each part of the piece is so finely carved with the minutest of detail that one can hardly believe it was fashioned from one stone slab.

Octagonal Bronze Kettle Inlaid with Gold and Silver Phoenix and Arabesque Design

2008-04-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite octagonal bronze kettle inlaid with gold and silver phoenix and arabesque design displays the fine workmanship of the silver-inlaying technique. The gold and silver wires are delicately inlaid into incised lines on this metalwork’s surface to create elegant images of phoenix, arabesque and Chinese characters meaning long life and good fortune.

Wancho Jar and Lid with Geometric Pattern

2008-04-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

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This delightful jar and lid by Yi Sang-jae, Master Craftsman of Wancho Weaving, is made of strips from the unique plant called Wancho, an annual reed found in rice paddies and other marshlands in some parts of Korea. Wancho is characterized by its sleek texture, milky-white color and soft but durable body, which has made it an excellent material for craft weaving for more than 1000 years. The delicate geometric design is so finely woven that it seems unbelievable that it was made by human hands.

Octagonal Nakjuk (Bamboo Pyrography) Brush Holder with Landscape Designs

2008-04-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

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The landscapes drawn in the nakjuk technique by Kim Gi-chan, Master Craftsman of Nakjuk (Bamboo Pyrography), on the brush holder’s eight faces display masterful skills and great artistry. The setting of mountains and rivers where people stroll in perfect harmony with the trees and birds fascinate viewers and seem to depict a serene utopian world where Taoist saints reside.

Hemp Cloth Chaesang (Colorful Korean Bamboo Box)

2008-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

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This unique bamboo box called Chaesang, literally meaning "colorful box," by Seo Han-gyu, Master Craftsman of Chaesang, is woven with paper-thin but iron-strong bamboo strips cut from three-year-old bamboo trees in winter. The tranquility and harmony of colors and textures within the dynamic movements of the several hundred bamboo strips used to create this container are so complete, that it displays breathtaking artistry.

Seven-tier Arcs Hwangchil (Korean Yellow Lacquer) Folding Fan

2008-04-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

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This magnificent paper bamboo fan by Yi Gi-dong, Master Craftsman of Fans, made of the best-quality Korean mulberry paper coated with hwangchil (‘yellow lacquer’) expresses the elegant beauty of the golden color. The intricate pyrography bat design engraved on the bamboo ribs create a wonderful harmony with the beautiful lines made by the wide breadth of the unfolded fan’s outline and the attractive three-dimensional creases of the paper arranged neatly.

Korean mulberry paper called hanji is extremely light and strong, and maintains its original color and shape even after a millennium. Featuring glossiness, softness, and a high capacity for upholding warmth and ventilation, the paper has been considered as the ideal material for windows, doors and walls.

Another element to add attraction and beauty to a Korean fan is the use of hwangchil ('yellow lacquer'), a natural lacquer taken from a Korean native lacquer tree. This golden translucent pigment creates mysteriously elegant colors. Not only its attractive rare golden hue, but also the sweet natural fragrance emanating from it adds delightful joy to the users of Korean fan.

24-tier Circular Yundo (Korean Compass)

2008-04-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

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The main material of this extraordinary compass by Kim Jong-dae, Master Craftsman of Yundo, is solid Jujube wood more than 200 years old that does not contain any knots. It includes the four cardinal directions, eight trigrams in ‘I Ching’ that describe fortunes, the 10 Heavenly Stems, the 12 Earthly Branches symbolizing 12 warrior deities in Taoism who protect the Earth, and 24 solar terms.

Each of the characters carefully inscribed onto the front surface of this wooden compass carries, in addition to profound meaning, unique personality interwoven with mysterious energy. As well, the arrangement of characters laid out in perfect order displays wonderful geometrical beauty.

Bronze Dish with Long-life Emblem Design

2008-04-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

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This splendid bronze dish by Yi Bong-ju, Master Craftsman of Bronzeware, was created by several thousand beats of a hammer. After the alloy of copper and tin passes through the door of secrets through the long process of forging, the result is an exhibition of beauty that manifests the glorious brilliance of gold.

The bronze items made in this fashion are only known to exist in Korea, where the art was used for creating the highest-quality kitchen utensils for the royal households and aristocratic families.

A piece of Korean bronze ware like this one demonstrates the remarkable feature of changing color if it touches poisonous substances, such as chemicals, in food; thus, it keeps food fresh for a long period of time and even kills harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning. The amazing capacity of this utensil has even been proved by a recent scientific test.

Lacquered Hemp Cloth Wood Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Peony

2008-04-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

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Unlike other lacquered wood jewelry box, this one was created by traditional technique in which hemp cloth is laid upon the wood frame of the box called "skeleton" before repeated applying of natural lacquer. After lacquering, delicately designed mother of pearl pieces are individually inlaid by the artist. The specially handcrafted yin yang design knob made of cupro-nickel adds beautiful panache to this unique jewelry box. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it an impressive item for collection.

The two story structure inside of the box offers a pleasant way for storing valuable personal ornaments. The fully open peony blossom is traditionally a symbol of wealth and nobility.

Mother of Pearl Tie Clip and Cufflinks Set with Phoenix Design

2008-04-03T11:05:00.001-07:00

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Traditional phoenix design expressed with mother of pearl creates wonderful harmony with modern beauty from metal on this stylish tie clip and cufflinks, adding refinement to men's formalwear. The phoenix (bonghwang), along with the dragon, is the symbol of an emperor and is believed to herald a time of peace and prosperity.

Unlike other machine-cut printed mother of pearl designs, the mother of pearl designs on this unique tie clip and cufflinks, which are delicately jigsaw-cut by hands, are individually inlaid by our skilled artisan as shown in the large pictures.

Business Card Case Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Dragon Design

2008-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

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This unique business card case is ornamented with an intricate mother of pearl dragon design. The dragon is an imaginary animal believed to rule the sky and the sea, controlling rain, clouds, lightening and water. Also used as a symbol of kingship, the dragon is revered in many Asian countries as a sacred animal that brings fortune and expels evil forces.

Credit Card Case Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Phoenix and Yin Yang

2008-04-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

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Unlike other machine-cut printed mother of pearl designs, the mother of pearl designs on this unique business card case, which are delicately jigsaw-cut by hands, are individually inlaid by our skilled artisan as shown in the large pictures. The arrangement of iridescent design's luster and color made of two different types of mother of pearl creates wonderful harmony with the black background, making it a remarkably attractive piece.

A pair of phoenixes (bonghwang) with fully-opened wings and tail face each other embracing traditional Yin Yang symbol. The phoenix (bonghwang), along with the dragon, is the symbol of an emperor and is believed to herald a time of peace and prosperity.

We can print your company logo and name inside the case. It would be a wonderful gift of great sophistication, cherished significance, and kind-heartedness.

Compact Mirror Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Butterfly

2008-04-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

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The butterfly, a symbol of free love and happiness that has been used to decorate ladies' fashion or home accessories, is redesigned for this stylish compact mirror which has two mirrors - a regular and a magnifying (the small size mirror doesn't have a magnifying mirror). The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of mother of pearl designs makes it an impressive item for collection.

Lacquered Wood Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Phoenix and Flying Horse

2008-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite jewelry box is elegantly decorated with a mother of pearl design of phoenixes and flying horses. The harmony between the natural wooden surface, which is lacquered repeatedly by traditional technique inherited from Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), and the iridescence of the mother of pearl design makes it an impressive item for any collection.

This jewelry box features the unique structure of a drawer below and a lid above, as well as four slide boxes under the lid. It offers a pleasant way for storing valuable personal ornaments such as jewelry.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight, antibacterial and purifying air in the room.

Red Lacquered Mother of Pearl Hemp Cloth Wood Jewelry Box of Drawers

2008-04-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

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Unlike other lacquered wood jewelry box, this one was created by traditional technique in which hemp cloth is laid upon the wood frame of the box called "skeleton" before repeated applying of natural red lacquer. After lacquering, delicately designed mother of pearl pieces are individually inlaid by the artist. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it an impressive item for collection. The pine tree is a symbol of elevated consciousness and dignified spirit, and cranes represent nobility.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Lacquered Wood Jewelry Box Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Longevity Design

2008-04-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite jewelry box is lavishly decorated with a mother of pearl design of sipjangsaeng, 10 creatures that ancient Koreans, influenced by the Taoist philosophy, believed were created to enjoy eternal youth: sun, stone, water, cloud, pine tree, deer, bulnocho ('herb of eternal youth'), turtle, crane, and mountain. Inspired by the belief in a Taoist utopian world resided by Taoist elders who had found the secret of eternal life, ancient Koreans revealed their dreams of such a world through the 10 creatures.

The structure of the two doors above and two drawers below, as well as the three drawers on the inside is conceived from the traditional Korean wardrobe, and offers a pleasant way for storing valuable personal ornaments such as jewelry.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Wood Jewelry Box Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Crane and Pine Design

2008-04-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

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This wooden jewelry box depicts a serene image of cranes delighting in an idyllic moment under an old pine tree, a symbol of elevated consciousness and dignified spirit. The harmony between the natural wooden surface and the iridescence of the mother of pearl design makes it a memorable item for any collection.

Jewelry Box of Drawers inlaid with Mother of Pearl Flower and Bird

2008-04-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

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Lavishly ornamented with mother of pearl patterns, this exquisite women's jewelry box consists of six drawers containing a flower-and-bird design. The elaborate adornment of the entire body (except for the back) makes it a breathtaking piece for storing personal fashion items. It is quite remarkable that the artist could depict the scene in such detail without brush nor pen, but only with mother of pearl strips.

Twin Cubic Mother of Pearl Cases with Crane and Pine Design

2008-04-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

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Two small cubic boxes lavishly decorated with mother of pearl designs are connected with each other through two hinges. Each box has two drawers. The mother of pearl design of this exquisite document case depicts a serene image of a pair of cranes delighting in a romantic moment under an old pine tree and the full moon. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it a breathtaking piece for storing personal fashion items.

Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box of Drawers Inlaid with Mandarin Ducks Design

2008-04-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite jewelry box is lavishly decorated with a scene of two mandarin ducks spending a happy moment in a densely wooded forest. The main motif is situated in a circle at the front center, creating a wonderful contrast of colors between it and the rest of the design. In Korea, mandarin ducks are regarded as a symbol of a happily married couple who remain faithful to their partner their entire lives. The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

The structure of the two doors above and a drawer below, as well as the three drawers and hooks on the inside which is designed to rotate for hanging necklaces conveniently, is conceived from the traditional Korean wardrobe, and offers a pleasant way for storing valuable personal ornaments such as jewelry.

Octagonal Mother of Pearl Jewelry Box Inlaid with Landscape Design

2008-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

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The beauty of the intricate landscape design covering this jewelry box exhibits the amazing craftsmanship and artistry of Korean mother of pearl crafts. It is quite remarkable that the artist could depict the scene in such detail without brush nor pen, but only with mother of pearl strips. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it a breathtaking piece for collection.

Red-Lacquered Wood Cookie Box with Mother of Pearl Double Joy Character

2008-04-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

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This octagonal red-lacquered wood candy box is embellished with a mother of pearl design double joy and longevity characters, and butterfly design. The red-lacquer is rarer and more expensive than normal lacquer and was used only in royal court in Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The inside of the box is divided into nine compartments to hold an assortment of candy or cookie.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Lacquered Octagonal Wooden Tray Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Bat Design

2008-04-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

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This lacquerware wooden tray features a unique octagonal form containing a design of the bat design in the center. The edge of the tray is elegantly decorated with mother of pearl designs of arabesque in rhythmic lines and whorls of the vines. In Korea and China, a bat design has been used as a symbol of fortune that brings the happiest life imaginable. The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Octagonal Mother of Pearl Food Box with Nine Compartments

2008-04-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

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This octagonal container is embellished with a mother of pearl design depicting a peaceful scene in which two cranes are with their chicks in a nest. The inside of the container is divided into nine compartments to hold an assortment of food. The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it an impressive item for collection.

Four-Sectioned Lunch Box with Mother of Pearl Chrysanthemum Design

2008-04-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

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This octagonal wooden lunch box is embellished with a mother of pearl chrysanthemum design. One of the "four noble beings" (sagunja) symbolizing fidelity and loyalty, the chrysanthemum has been one of the most favorite subjects used for adorning craftworks as it blooms until late autumn, thus overcoming the frost. The serene dark brown color of wood splendidly coated with natural lacquer creates a perfect harmony with the iridescent design of mother of pearl. The inside of the container is divided into four compartments to hold an assortment of food. The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial.

Mini Folding Mother of Pearl Screen Inlaid with Four Noble Beings Design

2008-04-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

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Designed to ornament a corner or section off part of a room, this small folding screen displays a mother of pearl sagunja, or "four noble beings," containing four plants, maehwa (spring), orchid (summer), chrysanthemum (autumn) and bamboo (winter) that symbolize the four seasons.

Wood Picture Frame inlaid with Mother of Pearl Butterfly

2008-04-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

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The traditional butterfly design with a modern touch embellishes the edges of this picture frame. The mother of pearl inlaying technique developed over a millennium ago complements this modern object wonderfully. The butterfly, a symbol of free love and happiness that has been used to decorate ladies' fashion or home accessories, is redesigned for this stylish picture frame.

Decorative Wooden Plate Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Pine and Crane

2008-04-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

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This lacquerware plate is lavishly decorated with mother of pearl design that depicts a serene image of cranes on an old pine tree delighting in a romantic moment under the full moon. The pine tree is a symbol of elevated consciousness and dignified spirit, and cranes represent nobility. This plate includes a matching holder helping the plate to be displayed conveniently.

Lacquered Wood Document Box with Mother of Pearl Grapes

2008-04-03T02:52:00.000-07:00

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This magnificent lacquered wood document box is lavishly decorated with intricate mother of pearl designs of monkeys playing between grape vines. Each mother of pearl design is delicately jigsaw-cut by hands one by one. The grapes symbolize one's wish to have many children as grapes bear much fruit, while the monkey represents one's hope to gain a high-ranking position in the government as the pronunciation of 'monkey' in Chinese characters is the same as 'feudal lords.' The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of mother of pearl designs makes it a breathtaking piece for collection.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight, antibacterial and purifying air in the room.

Lacquered Wood Mother of Pearl Document Case with Carp

2008-04-03T02:47:00.000-07:00

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This unique lacquered wood document case is decorated with a mother of pearl design in which a pair of carp jumps out of the water in a dramatic pose. The details of the fish, including scales and fins as well as the foam, are captured in minute detail. A favorite subject for arts and crafts in Korea and China, carp symbolize the success in life; this representation comes from a Chinese legend in which the fish became a dragon as soon as it arrived at the head of the Yellow River in spring. In Korea, it is also a symbol of filial piety following a folk tale in which a son searches deep mountain valleys in the middle of winter to catch the fish for his aged mother.

The design of fully bloomed mother of pearl peony blossoms decorating this unique lacquered document case is delightfully raised above the surface as if carved in relief. The stems and leaves of the peony are expressed by using the inner layer of mother of pearl, whereas the blossoms are by using the outer layer of mother of pearl. The fully open peony blossom is traditionally a symbol of wealth and nobility.

Lacquered Wood Brush Box Inlaid with Mother of Pearl Phoenix and Bat

2008-04-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite brush box is elegantly decorated with a mother of pearl design of phoenixes and bats. The phoenix (Bonghwang), along with the dragon, is the symbol of an emperor and is believed to herald a time of peace and prosperity. The bat design has been used as a symbol of fortune that brings the happiest life imaginable in Korea and China. The elaborate adornment with the iridescence of intricate mother of pearl designs makes it an impressive item for collection.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight, antibacterial and purifying air in the room.

Lacquered Ash Wood Mug Set with Mother of Pearl Grape Design

2008-04-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

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This unique pair of lacquered ash wood mugs complete with lids and saucers displays the beauty of natural wood pattern and delicate mother of pearl design. The serene dark brown color of ash tree wood splendidly coated with natural lacquer creates a perfect harmony with the wonderful form, beautiful wood grain and iridescent mother of pearl. Since the color of natural lacquer is gradually changed, the color of lacquered wood becomes more beautiful as time goes by.

The houseware coated with natural lacquer has long been used in East Asia for its glossy beauty as well as its practicality for being strong, watertight and antibacterial. You can enjoy a unique taste and atmosphere with your favorite tea in this lacquered wood tea mug.

Celadon Pumpkin Porcelain Tea Set with Cloud and Crane Motif

2008-04-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

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This celadon porcelain tea set consists of a teapot with a pumpkin-shaped body and five matching tea cups. All the items exhibit the traditional inlaid cloud and crane design with the attractive jade blue glaze that bestowed Goryeo celadon with a worldwide reputation. The scent, color and taste of any tea treated by this tea set will be enhanced. The floating cloud and freely flying crane designs representing eternity, combined with the color of autumn sky, gives the viewer the sensation of looking at a piece of heaven.

Hanji (Korean Mulberry Paper) Tray with Colored Leaves

2008-04-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

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This rectangular hanji tray exhibits the inner bottom decorated with various naturally colored leaves. The beauty of the colorful leaves is wonderfully harmonized with the beauty of the hanji. Even though this tray is made of paper, the user is able to wash it with water, due to the four-times repeated application of bean and perilla oil.

Round Bamboo Lacquered Paper Fan with Yin Yang Design

2008-04-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

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This magnificent fan, made of highest-quality Korean mulberry paper, exhibits a beautiful arc created by the fan's outline and the exquisite radiated lines of the bamboo ribs arranged delicately. The beauty of yin yang design is creatively adapted onto the paper. The paper coated with natural lacquer gives this fan further durability and an elegant luster.

Korean Character Art Design White Long Sleeve T-shirt

2008-04-03T00:58:00.000-07:00

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- Genuine screen print of calligraphic Korean alphabet characters of a famous Korean poem titled "San Yu Hwa" which means "Wild Flowers of the Mountains."

- Wonderful calligraphy expressing the beauty of Korean alphabet by calligrapher Jo Sung-ju.

- Invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great and a selected group of Joseon scholars under his reign, the Korean writing system called Hangeul ('Korean Writing') is the only alphabet system in human history whose authors and date of invention are clearly known. Records say that the 14 consonants and 10 vowels of the system were created from the basis of the Korean philosophy that the universe consists of heaven, earth and humankind, as well as the shapes of the organs that make sound. Its scientific system is regarded by international linguists as the world's greatest alphabet system as it can express all sounds with its 14 consonants and 10 vowels. This is one of the reasons why Hangeul is regarded as the most scientific writing system in mankind has ever known.

3-Link Jade Necklace

2008-04-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

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Links that symbolize eternity are carved from a single jade block as one piece, exhibiting the superb aesthetic value of jade art. The highly ornate chain is made of 18k white gold set with some 100 diamond pieces, adding an elegant splendor to the work. Wearing a natural jade, known to hold the energy of both heaven and earth, ornament near one's heart expresses the sophistication and style of the wearer while positively affecting human energy.

Workmen at a Forge - 18th Century Korean Painting by Kim Hong-Do

2008-04-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

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This unique hanging scroll exhibits a perfect reproduction of masterpiece of Kim Hong-Do better known as Danwon (1745-1805?), a great court painter of Joseon dynasty. He is known as the first Korean painter to extensively portray Korean daily life, especially the life of the lower classes in a manner analogous to the Dutch Masters. His painting focuses on people and their activities, with the background barely illustrated. Because of this, his paintings today are valued almost as much for the insight they shed on daily life in Joseon dynasty as for their inherent aesthetic value.

Celadon Pottery Vase with Openwork Head and Chrysanthemum Body

2008-04-03T00:22:00.000-07:00

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This celadon pottery vase features a long, sturdy neck whose upper part is lavishly embellished with an openwork design, of which each arc is adorned with red-copper painted flowers. The voluminous body is decorated with fully-bloomed chrysanthemums inlaid with white and black slips as well as red-copper paint. One of the "four noble beings" (sagunja) symbolizing fidelity and loyalty, the chrysanthemum has been one of the most favorite subjects used for adorning craftworks as it blooms until late autumn, thus overcoming the frost.

Korean celadon pottery is renowned the world over since Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) for its exquisite inlaid designs, voluminous form, elegantly-curved lines and mysterious color, the color of the sky after a rainstorm during an autumn afternoon.

Celadon Prunus Vase inlaid with Crane and Cloud Pattern

2008-04-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

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The voluminous form of this wonderful piece, a reproduction of the great 12th century Goryeo porcelain, came from the Maebyeong (Prunus Vase) style from the Sung Dynasty in China. By the time this vase was made, however, Goryeo (918-1392) had already established its own style characterized by a more expansive form and elegantly-curved lines. An increasingly-important achievement of Goryeo porcelain ware in the world's ceramics history is the introduction of the inlaying technique to the art of pottery. In this porcelain vase, whose form, size and luxuriousness make it one of the greatest masterpieces of its kind, the pattern of white cranes and clouds is exquisitely inlaid into the surface of the jade-blue body.

Korean celadon pottery is renowned the world over for its exquisite inlaid designs, voluminous form, elegantly-curved lines and mysterious color, the color of the sky after a rainstorm during an autumn afternoon.

Celadon Porcelain Vase with Tri-leaf Design

2008-04-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

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This exquisite celadon porcelain vase exhibits a simple, tubular body whose surface is decorated with an inlaid black tri-leaf plant applied in the zen painting style. The contrast between jade blue and black as well as the simple minimalist form of the vessel is expected to satisfy modern taste.

Buncheong Art Pottery Vase with Iron-painted Fish

2008-04-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

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A fine reproduction of the 15th century work listed as Treasure 767, this porcelain jar exhibits nearly the entire range of design techniques used for buncheong ware, including inlaying, impression, sgraffito, incision, gwiyal brushing and iron underglazing. The wanja (Buddhist swastiaka) design around the neck and the lotus band above the foot are inlaid whereas the body of the fish is decorated with impressed design and its head and fins with sgraffito and incision designs. The details of the motifs, including lotus and arabesque patterns, are painted with oxidized iron.

Celadon Pottery Jar with Inlaid Cracks Pattern

2008-04-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

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This celadon porcelain jar with a delightful oval body with round mouth is decorated with a stylish crack pattern. The repetition of irregular lines through the traditional technique of black and white slip inlaying has created a pleasing modern work.