F A M I L YG U I D E

For over 500 years (1392–1910),

the Joseon dynasty ruled Korea.

Respect for the king, family, and

faith I N S P I R E D artists to create

many of the objects in this exhibition.

As you E X P L O R E , think about

the things you T R E A S U R E in

your own life.

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#PMAFAMILY | #KOREANTREASURES

D Y N A S T Y Dynasties are made up of rulers from the

same family who pass power down from

one generation to the next.

J O S E O N Pronounced “CHO-sun”

Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks, 19th century, Korea (Private Collection)

T H E K I N G A N D H I S C O U R T

R O YA L T R E A S U R E SThis folding screen was placed behind the king’s throne.

The picture is almost the same on both ends, making it

feel peaceful and balanced.

T R E A S U R E H U N TArt created for the king was made with fancy materials.

F I N D objects in this area of the exhibition made from:

n Gold n

Silk n Porcelain (a type of white clay)

L I S T three things that appear on each end of the screen:

1. ___________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________

C O U N T the number of mountaintops. They stand for the five elements of the world: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

L O O K for the pine trees. Unlike other trees, these stay green all year and symbolize the wish for a long life for the king.

F I N D the sun and the moon. They represent yin and yang, things that are opposite but go together.

Did you notice the big, empty space in the middle? The king sat here, in front of the largest mountain, to show he was the center of the universe.

Tiger and Magpies, 19th century, Korea (Collection of Fytie Ludington Drayton)

J O S E O N S O C I E T Y

H O M E T R E A S U R E SMany of the things in this room were displayed in people’s homes, including this painting of a tiger. On New Year’s Eve, Joseon families hung pictures like this on their front doors for protection and good luck in the coming year.

H O W do you decorate your home for different holidays?

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F I N D the birds above the tiger. They are magpies, a type of bird believed to bring good wishes for the New Year. Their beaks are open, as though delivering a message.

W R I T E what you imagine they are saying.

T R E A S U R E H U N TDo you see objects in this room that you also have at home?

F I N D : n A desk n

A candlestick

n Hairpins n

Clothes n Boxes

A N C E S T R A L R I T U A L S

FA M I LY T R E A S U R E SRespect and love for family has always been important to Koreans. Many people hold ceremonies on special occasions to remember and honor their ancestors, or family members who are gone.

These metal objects held food and drink that were offered to the ancestors during the ceremonies at the royal shrine. Sometimes, up to 80 containers were used to offer different foods, including cake, rice, fruit, and soup.

Ritual Vessels (Huijun and Sangjun), Joseon period, Korea (National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul)

T R E A S U R E H U N TThere are many animals hiding in this part of the exhibition.

F I N D : n An ox and elephant made of shiny metal

n An ox and elephant made of white clay

n A rooster on a metal cup

n A dragon on a metal jar

S E T YO U R TA B L E

On the table below, D E S I G N your own place settings to use in a family celebration. What favorite foods and drinks would you serve?

B U D D H I S M I N T H E J O S E O N D Y N A S T Y

B U D D H A’ S T R E A S U R E SThis large wooden drum was beaten loudly to call people to the temple where they prayed to Buddha. An imaginary animal called a haetae (HEH tay) carries the drum on his back. He also guarded the temple, protecting it from evil.

Drum and Stand, 19th century, Korea (National Museum of Korea, Seoul)Facing page: Seated Buddha, 17th and 18th century, Korea (National Museum of Korea, Seoul)

The artist carved many patterns into the wood. Each has its own rhythm, like the beat of a drum. L O O K for these patterns, and then C R E AT E your own:

T R E A S U R E H U N TMany of the objects in this room show

Buddha and his students sitting and

meditating.

Here are some clues to help spot the

Buddha. L O O K for figures with:• Long earlobes•A monk’s robes•Tightly curled hair•A bump on the top of the head

G I V E I T A T R YMeditating helps people relax and clear their minds.

Give it a TRY by taking three slow, deep breaths. NOTICE how your belly fills with air like a balloon as you breathe in.

T H E E N D O F A D Y N A S T Y

T R E A S U R E S O F Y O U R O W NThis painting is like its own art exhibition, with lots of T R E A S U R E S on display. W H I C H ones remind you of things you have seen in these galleries?

Scholar’s Accoutrements, 19th century, Korea (National Museum of Korea, Seoul)

What do the things on the shelves tell you about the person who owned this screen? If this was in your home, what objects would you want included? Turn the page and unfold the guide to add your own T R E A S U R E S .

T R E A S U R E H U N TPaintings like this decorated reading

rooms and studies, showing objects

that I N S P I R E D creative and

hard work. F I N D :

n A clock

n Books

n A teapot

n Flowers

n Scrolls

D I S C O V E R M O R E W I T H Y O U R FA M I LY

There are more fun things to see and do at the Museum:E X P L O R E the galleries on a family tour, C R E AT E art in the Family Studio or sketch in the galleries,C E L E B R AT E with dance and music performances,M E E T artists, and much more!

This exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and the Korea Foundation. Transportation assistance is provided by Korean Air.

In Philadelphia, the exhibition is presented by The Exelon Foundation and PECO. Additional support is provided by the Henry Luce Foun-dation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Kathleen C. and John J. F. Sherrerd Fund for Exhibitions, the James and Agnes Kim Foundation, Sueyun and Gene Locks, Maxine S. and Howard H. Lewis, Dr. Sankey V. Williams and Constance H. Williams, Frank S. Bayley, Lois G. and Julian A. Brodsky, Dr. Young Yang Chung through the Seol Won Foundation US, Maude de Schauensee, Dr. Bong S. Lee and Dr. Mi W. Lee, James and Susan Pagliaro, and other generous individuals. The accompanying publication is supported in part by The Andrew W. Mellon Fund for Scholarly Publications.

Promotional support is provided by H MART and The Korea Times Philadelphia, and the Korea Tourism Organization, New York.

The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Korea, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Birds and plant details from Embroidered Screen of Flowers and Birds, late 19th to early 20th century, Korea (The Museum of Korean Embroidery, Seoul)

Credits as of February 20, 2014 0214-6684

For more information, go to the Visitor Services Desks or

www.philamuseum.org/education.

General admission to the Museum on the first Sunday

of every month and every Wednesday night, 5:00 to 8:45 p.m., is

PAY W H AT YO U W I S H . Children twelve and

under are always F R E E !