Catalog "Korean Ancient Paintings Shining Abroad" Published with Support from BTS RM

Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation Features 24 Paintings from the 16th to 20th Centuries
High-Resolution Images Include "Pyeongan Gamsado Ggeupje Ja Hwanyeongdo" and More

"Pyeongan Gamsa Dogagup Jejahwanyeongdo"

The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation announced on March 11 that it has published "Korean Ancient Paintings Shining Abroad," a collection that brings together Korean paintings scattered across overseas museums and art galleries.

This catalog features twenty-four selected traditional paintings, ranging from the early 16th century to the 20th century, offering a broad perspective on their artistic and cultural value. It was produced with funds donated by RM of the group BTS in 2022. The book showcases a wide spectrum of Korean painting, including major themes such as landscapes, portraits, flower-and-bird paintings, as well as various formats like folding screens and hanging scrolls.

The most striking piece is the 19th-century "Pyeongan Gamsado Ggeupje Ja Hwanyeongdo," held by the Peabody Essex Museum in the United States. With meticulous brushwork, it vividly depicts a grand procession crossing the Daedong River and entering Pyeongyang Fortress, as well as the lavish banquet scenes, providing a glimpse into the prosperity of Pyeongyang at the time and the lives of its people. Other works available in high-resolution images include "Hanlimjeseldo," a painting by Kim Si from 1584, which captures the peaceful atmosphere of a snowy winter forest and is held at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States.

'Korean Old Paintings Shining Abroad'

The foundation placed side-by-side commentary on the works, obtained in cooperation with overseas institutions, to enhance the book's usefulness for academic research and other purposes. Secretary General Kwak Changyong stated, "This is a result that re-examines the beauty and depth of traditional painting," and added, "The affection of RM, who supported the publication, has further elevated the value of the catalog."

The completed book will be distributed to national and public libraries and major research institutions in Korea and abroad in succession.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.