CHICAGO - This fall, the Art Institute unveils a newly imagined and installed gallery for the arts of Korea—our first space fully dedicated to this cultural region.

The new installation presents a wider range of objects than previous displays—extending from ceramics to textiles and painting and spanning 2,000 years from the Three Kingdoms period (about 57 BCE–676 CE) until today. Intentionally located between the Chinese and Japanese art galleries, the thoughtful display offers insight into how these artworks both reflect the religious and material culture of Korea and how they relate to the arts of Korea’s influential neighbors, China and Japan.

Plum Vase (Maebyeong) with Clouds, Cranes, and Children Motifs, Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), late 12th century. Stoneware with red and white slip and celadon glaze, H.: 33.5 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Mr. Russell Tyson, 1950.1626.

Water Bottle (Kundika), Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Bronze, 37.6 × 16.1 cm; Without spout: Diam.: 13.1 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Russell Tyson Purchase Fund, 1969.702.

Lobed Cup and Stand with Chrysanthemum Motif, Korea, Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), 12th-13th century. Stoneware with red and white slip and celadon glaze. H.: 11.3 cm; Diam.: 14.7 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection, 2013.287a-b.

Conical bowl, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), late 15th–early 16th century. Stoneware with white slip and glaze, 8 × 18 × 18 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, James W. and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection, 1980.626.

Six themes introduce Korea’s long and rich history as well as its religious, political, and material cultures. The first section introduces objects that were made to help understand and spread the teachings of the Buddha. The centerpiece, an 18th-century Buddha statue, is on view for the first time since its acquisition after extensive conservation treatment. A section devoted to celadon and tea culture provides a glimpse into the practice of tea ceremonies during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), and objects grouped around the idea of symbolism illustrate how beautiful embellishments represent desired outcomes, such as a blissful marriage, career advancement, and long life.

The remaining three sections focus on how material culture responded to a major ideological, political, and cultural shift during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897) as evidenced in the creation of the earthy grey stoneware known as buncheong, elegant white porcelain, and scholars’ objects. The new installation also includes select contemporary works that meaningfully engage with traditional forms and materials.

Kim Eung-won (Korean, 1855-1921), Orchids, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). Hanging scroll, ink on paper, 33 × 44.4 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Wirt D. Walker Fund, 2006.91.1.

Water Dropper, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), 19th century © National Museum of Korea

Moon Jar, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), late 17th–mid-18th century. Porcelain with glaze, 33 × 32.5 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of an anonymous donor, Louise Lutz Estate, and Russell Tyson Endowment, 2001.413.

Vase with Dragon Motif, Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1897), 19th century. Porcelain with blue underglaze. H. 32.5 cm; diam. 20.6 cm. Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of the family of Lincoln D. and Dorothy S. Scott, 2005.171.1.

To mark the gallery’s opening, the space presents two stunning gold objects—a crown and pendant as well as a belt from the Silla kingdom period (about 57 BCE–676 CE). These objects have been designated as Treasures by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea and are on loan from the National Museum of Korea through early February 2025. Further enhancing the visitor experience are an interactive feature and video that offer deeper insight into a two objects’ symbolism and function.

Gold Crown and Pendants from Seobongchong Tomb, Three Kingdoms period, Silla Kingdom (57 BCE–676 CE), 5th century. Treasure as designated by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. © National Museum of Korea.

Gold Belt from Seobongchong Tomb, Three Kingdoms period, Silla Kingdom (57 BCE–676 CE), 5th century. Treasure as designated by the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea. © National Museum of Korea.

This installation is curated by Yeonsoo Chee, associate curator of Korean art, Arts of Asia.

Opens Nov 1, 2024.