Korea's 'Baek Gaji Haengbok' Transmitted to Germany... National Treasure-Level Artifact Exhibited in Dresden

National Museum of Korea Holds Special Exhibition
"One Hundred Happinesses, Special Exhibition of Korean Culture" Until August 10
185 Cases and 349 Items on Display Including National Treasure Gold Crown from Geumgwanchong Tomb
Dresden State Art Collections, a Landmark Visited by 2 Million Annually
"The Beauty of Korea Will Bring Smiles"

The National Museum of Korea announced on the 19th that it will hold a special exhibition titled "One Hundred Happinesses, Special Exhibition of Korean Culture" in collaboration with the Dresden State Art Collections in Germany. The exhibition will be held at Dresden Castle until August 10.

The crown cap and crown ornament (National Treasure) that were excavated along with the gold crown from the Silla Geumgwanchong Tomb were exhibited at Dresden Castle (Residenz Palace) in Germany. Provided by the National Museum of Korea

Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony and has long been called the "Florence on the Elbe River," leading European culture. The Dresden State Art Collections began as a court museum in 1560 and currently holds the reputation as the oldest museum in the world. It operates as an integrated organization of 15 museums and is a world-renowned attraction visited by over 2 million people annually.

Interior view of Dresden Castle (Residenz Palace) in Germany, where the 'Special Exhibition on Korean Culture' is being held. Provided by the National Museum of Korea

The exhibition is held in two locations. Nine rooms on the second floor of Dresden Castle’s Great Hall are each decorated with different themes. ▲ "Colors of Joy" showcases the elegance of Hanbok ▲ "Abundance and Rest" presents the desires of people from the Three Kingdoms period for this world and the afterlife as depicted in pottery ▲ "Craftsmanship of Faith" and "Promise of Compassion" display Buddhist art from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties respectively ▲ "Beauty of Celadon" and "Moderation and Dignity" demonstrate the aesthetic and technical achievements of Korean ceramics, including Goryeo celadon, Buncheong ware, and white porcelain. Additionally, ▲ "Brilliant Authority" ▲ "Courage and Spirit" feature royal court attire and military uniforms and weapons respectively, and finally ▲ "Happy Life" exhibits folding screens symbolizing wishes for happiness. The special exhibition hall of the New Green Vault Museum on the first floor of the castle is themed "The Golden Country, Silla."

Earthenware and roof tiles from the Three Kingdoms period displayed in the 'Abundance and Rest' section. Provided by the National Museum of Korea

This exhibition showcases 185 cases with 349 items from the collection. National treasures such as the gold crown, gold belt, crown cap, and crown ornaments from the Geumgwanchong Tomb are on display. Bracelets and gold vessels excavated from Geumgwanchong are also exhibited.

Furthermore, Korean cultural heritage items owned by the Dresden State Art Collections are also presented. The affiliated Leipzig Grassi Museum of Ethnology holds over 2,000 artifacts, including items collected by M?llendorff (1848?1901), a diplomatic advisor to Joseon. The Dresden State Art Collections have selected 10 artifacts collected worldwide in the early 20th century, including Joseon folding screens, armor, and weapons, for display.

Folding screen from the Joseon Dynasty. Provided by the National Museum of Korea

The folding screen featuring "Gwak Bunyang Haengnakdo (郭汾陽行樂圖)," a painting widely used among the public in the late Joseon period to pray for blessings, is being exhibited for the first time after restoration in Korea with support from the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation. Also on display is the embroidered folding screen "Baeksubaekbokdo (百壽百福圖)," which inspired the exhibition’s title and symbolizes wishes for longevity and blessings.

Kim Jae-hong, director of the National Museum of Korea, said, "As the exhibition title suggests, the beauty of Korean culture will bring happy smiles to the faces of visitors."

Claudia Brink, co-curator from the Dresden State Art Collections, said, "Happiness is deeply rooted in Korean culture, and this exhibition will be an opportunity to convey that."