Philadelphia Art Museum Part 1

Last Sunday was International Museum Day.  So a lot of well known museums all over the world opened their doors free to the public.  Will and I finally went to Philadelphia's Art Museum.  One thing we found out about this place though is that it would probably take 6 separate days to really see each section of the museum.  So on this trip we limited ourselves to 3 exhibits.  The first section we went to was the Treasures of Korea.  They didn't allow for photography but I bought 25 pictures of the different art.  They did make up for it with a free audio tour.

This first picture is of a screen called Sun, Moon and Five Peaks.  Though I've just noticed that it only shows 6 of the 8 panels.  It was painted during the 19th century and would have sat behind the emperor's throne.

This is an embroidered silk screen that they think was made during either the late 19th or early 20th century.

This silk screen is of Chogang Daewang the second king of hell and was made during the 19th century.  This is something that would have been hung in a temple.

Calligraphy by King Jeongjo, 1798.  Yes, this is in Chinese.  We learned on the tour that most educated members of court wrote in Chinese.  They had a few personal letters on display written in Hangul, I read one written by a queen informing a relative how the weather was and the health of her husband and children.  I guess what people write about hasn't really changed much.

20th century official's robe.

Here is a silk screen of the Royal Banquet in the Year of Musin, 1848.

This embroidered silk screen was made during the late 19th or early 20th century.

This was my favorite silk scroll.  Up close the detail was so fine that you could almost see each hair of the tiger.  We are definitely framing this picture.

Silk Scroll of a Mountain God, made during the 19th century.

A 19th century document chest.

Here's a paper screen called Ten Longevity Symbols, made during the 18th century.

A portrait of Choi Jo-ak, Successful Candidate of the Deungjunsi Military Examination, 1774.

This is a hemp banner, Sakyamuni Assembly, 1653.

Embroidered silk sceen from the late 19th or early 20th century.

This is the seal of King Yeongjo, 1890.

19th century paper screen of peonies.

Portrait of Yi Jae, late 19th century.

Silk scroll called Eastern Paradise of Bhaisajyaguru, 1828.

Here is a 19th century drum and stand.

This Seated Ksitigarbha of gilt stone was created in 1515.

This 19 century wooden box is decorated with painted ox horn and lacquer.  It was probably a wedding present for a bride.

Potrait of Jo Wan, Successful Candidate of the Deungjunsi Military Examination, 1774.

This silk panel is of Taesan Daewang, the Seventh King of Hell made during the 19th century.

This 19th century silk screen is of a scholar's accoutrements and was probably placed behind the owner's desk.

A 16th century bottle with rope design.

This is the only silk panel that you are allowed to photograph.  It's huge!  It is hanging over the main stairway as you enter the museum and it's height is close to two stories tall.

I wanted to get all of these pictures up since this weekend is the last weekend this exhibit will be in town before it moves on.  These pictures only show a very small fraction of what is on display.  I wish they would have had some pictures of the beautiful Hanboks that were on display.  Phair at The Oval(across the street from the art museum) is also going on this weekend which is a mix of a artisan market with tons of gourmet food trucks as well.  I hope you've enjoyed all of my pictures!

Be mindful of every little pleasure in life, By living everyday like it is your last day.

-- Master Jin Kwon