Joseon Dynasty Maninsan Embroidered with Multicolored Silk Threads Unveiled to the Public for the First Time After Restoration

Unveiled at the National Folk Museum of Korea in Paju
2 of 5 Maninsan Umbrellas on Display
Ceremonial Parasols Gifted to Virtuous Magistrates

The National Folk Museum of Korea announced on September 2 that it will unveil for the first time the Maninsan umbrella of Lee Jongseung (1828-?), the Military Commander of Gwanseo, after completing its conservation treatment at the Open Conservation Science Lab in the museum's Paju branch.

A embroidered umbrella presented by the people of Heecheon County to Kim Youngcheol (1836?1901), the governor of Heecheon County, in 1887 (the 24th year of King Gojong's reign). National Folk Museum of Korea

This exhibition marks the fourth rotation at the Open Conservation Science Lab in the Paju branch. Of the five Maninsan umbrellas held by the National Folk Museum of Korea, two-those of Lee Jongseung, Military Commander of Gwanseo, and Kim Youngcheol (1836-1901), Governor of Heecheon County-will be presented in succession.

Maninsan is a type of ceremonial parasol used during the processions of high-ranking officials. When a virtuous magistrate left his post, the local people would present this as a token of gratitude. The National Folk Museum of Korea owns a total of five Maninsan umbrellas, most of which were made between 1873 and 1887. As Maninsan is composed of various materials such as textiles, wood, and metal, its conservation process is more complex and requires specialized approaches compared to artifacts made of a single material. In particular, the textiles are often severely damaged, so conservation may take at least one year or even several years. The museum began conservation treatment for permanent exhibition in 2006 and completed the conservation of all five pieces by 2024. The research outcomes from this conservation process are detailed in the 2024 publication "Gifts Honoring the Virtuous Rule of Magistrates: Maninsan," and the Maninsan of Lee Jongseung, now fully conserved, will be displayed to the public for the first time in this exhibition.

The Maninsan of Lee Jongseung consists only of the canopy and curtain, with a total of 1,526 names embroidered in multicolored threads on the Songdeokmun (an inscription honoring virtuous deeds).

The Maninsan of Kim Youngcheol features a typical structure, including the canopy, curtain, finial, handle, ribs, and pendants, and is characterized by gold leaf patterns stamped on the ribs. A distinctive aspect of this exhibition is that the Maninsan is displayed in its disassembled state, exactly as it was during the conservation process, rather than in its assembled form. By exhibiting each component-canopy, curtain, finial, handle, ribs-separately, visitors can closely observe the unique characteristics of each part. Textile components such as the canopy and curtain are rotated every three months to ensure a safe conservation environment. The exhibition will run until August 23 next year.