Amid the turbulence of the late 19th century, the Korean Empire sought to assert itself as an independent sovereign nation on the global stage. One of its most refined diplomatic tools was craft itself. Luxurious ceramics and ceremonial court garments presented to Western diplomats and royal households became instruments of cultural diplomacy, showcasing the artistic sophistication of Korea while asserting its status among world powers.
In connection with its Korean Empire special exhibition, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art is launching educational workshops and academic lectures that allow visitors to directly experience the aesthetics and diplomatic legacy of imperial Korean craft culture.
The hands-on programs, which began on May 2 and continue through July 25, will be held 24 times for approximately 560 adult participants. In parallel, expert lectures exploring the historical context of Korean craft traditions will be offered twice during May.
The “Imperial Blue” workshop invites participants to recreate diplomatic ceramics once presented by the Korean Empire to Western nations using contemporary 3D printing and ceramic transfer techniques. Meanwhile, the “Imperial Gold” workshop focuses on recreating the plum blossom emblem embroidered on the ceremonial official robe of imperial official Park Gi-jun through traditional goldwork embroidery.
Originally introduced from the West, goldwork embroidery is distinguished by its use of metallic threads and decorative materials to create dimensional and elaborate patterns on fabric surfaces. The workshop will be led by professor Lee Kyung-mi of Hankyong National University, who achieved Korea’s first successful restoration of a Korean Empire civil official’s ceremonial robe.
Academic lectures examining the broader historical framework of craft culture are also included. On May 9, former Korea National University of Cultural Heritage professor Choi Gong-ho will present “The Korean Empire and the Era of Craft,” analyzing how traditional handicrafts transformed into modern industrial and artistic forms through intensified exchanges with the West during the late 19th century.
A second lecture on May 23 by Sister Joanne of the Oryundae Museum of Korean Martyrs will explore the lives of imperial figures and the shifting meanings attached to their artifacts and memories.
Through shaping porcelain forms and weaving gold threads, participants are expected to experience not only the technical beauty of imperial craft, but also the diplomatic ambitions and artistic struggles of the Korean Empire during one of the most turbulent moments in modern Korean history.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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