๐ฐ๐ท “Korea’s Mona Lisa” Arrives in Washington, D.C. A Stunning Exhibition of the Lee Kun-hee Collection at the Smithsonian https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 If you’re interested in Asian art—or simply looking for a breathtaking cultural experience in Washington, D.C.—you must check out the Smithsonian’s newest special exhibition: “Korean Treasures – Collecting, Cherishing, and Sharing.” The exhibition opened on November 15 (local time) at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, and trust me, it’s already making waves. ๐ Why?Because it brings together 330 masterpieces from Korea, including 7 National Treasures and 15 Treasures, all thanks to the legendary Lee Kun-hee Collection—one of the most extraordinary private art collections ever assembled in Korean history. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐จ “If Korea had a Mona Lisa…” During the museum’s first public tour, curator Keith Wilson couldn’t hide his excitement. Standing before the masterpiece “Inwang Jesaekdo” by Jeong Seon—an iconic 18th-century ink landscape—he said: “If Korea had a Mona Lisa, it would be this painting.” And honestly? He’s not wrong. “Inwang Jesaekdo” beautifully captures the misty, humid atmosphere of Inwang Mountain after monsoon rains. The strokes feel alive—soft in some parts, bold in others—creating a sense of movement that pulls you right into the scene. ๐ง๏ธโฐ๏ธ Because the painting is extremely delicate, it will only be displayed for six weeks for preservation. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐บ From Royal Ceremonies to Daily Life: A Journey Through Korean Aesthetics The exhibition guides visitors through centuries of Korean culture: โจ Chaekgado (paintings of bookshelves)โจ Moon Jars and elegant white porcelainโจ Joseon-era aristocratic lifeโจ Portraits and Buddhist paintingsโจ Gorgeous ceramics excavated from royal and noble tombsโจ Massive palace-ritual paintings displayed alongside modern pieces One particularly fun detail:When curator Wilson showed visitors the 1,000 KRW bill and pointed out that the landscape on the back is painted by the same artist (Jeong Seon), everyone leaned in with curiosity. ๐ธ๐ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐บ A Rare Goryeo Celadon That Stunned Even Experts Another star of the show is the unique Goryeo celadon gourd-shaped ewer decorated with lotus flowers. This piece is one of a pair—its “twin” lives in Hamburg, Germany. The museum’s director, Chase F. Robinson, recalled first showing it to Korea’s culture minister: “His jaw literally dropped. He said, ‘This is national treasure level.’” https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐งง Why the Exhibition Doesn’t Use the Name “Lee Kun-hee Collection” In Korea, the collection is widely known as “์ด๊ฑดํฌ ์ปฌ๋ ์ .”But in Washington, the exhibition avoids using the name in the title. Instead, each gallery includes short, meaningful quotes about art from Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul, the late chairman Lee Kun-hee, and Leeum Museum’s honorary director Hong Ra-hee. Examples include:๐๏ธ “Old paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics became my quiet teachers.” — Lee Byung-chul๐๏ธ “Collecting and preserving cultural heritage ensures the future of humanity’s culture.” — Lee Kun-hee These quotes create a poetic thread throughout the show—almost like a quiet conversation between collectors and visitors. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐ Visitors From All Backgrounds Are Impressed Many Korean Americans rushed to the museum as soon as it opened, excited to finally see these works abroad. But they weren’t the only ones captivated. ๐ A Howard University art student admired a Buddhist sketch, saying he could “feel the freedom of the artist’s spirit.”๐จ๐ฆ His father couldn’t stop looking at a lion-shaped ceremonial drum stand, calling it “too cute to walk away from.”๐จ๐ณ A Chinese visitor said he learned so much about Korean art for the first time—and especially loved the painting of Gyeongbokgung’s stone wall by artist Park Dae-sung. The exhibition is clearly doing its job: introducing Korean aesthetics to new global audiences. ๐ https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐๏ธ Korean Art Goods Take Over the Museum Shop Usually, the museum gift shop is filled with Japanese sushi magnets or Chinese porcelain replicas. But during this exhibition… Korea takes center stage! ๐งธ Miniature Buddha statues๐ Pouches printed with Korean patterns๐งฒ Magnets, stationery, and more inspired by classic Korean motifs These special-edition “K-goods” are already becoming popular souvenirs. https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0005211920 ๐ Exhibition Schedule & Global Tour ๐ Washington, D.C. — Until February 1โก๏ธ Chicago Art Institute — From Marchโก๏ธ British Museum, London — Afterwards Korean art is truly going on a world tour. ๐โค๏ธ https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20251114_0003403095 โจ Final Thoughts If you’re in Washington, D.C., this exhibition is an absolutely unmissable chance to experience Korea’s artistic soul up close. From misty mountains to elegant celadon and vibrant Buddhist paintings, the Lee Kun-hee Collection offers a rare look into Korea’s cultural heritage—presented with passion, care, and museum-level storytelling. Whether you’re Korean, Asian, or simply a curious traveler, this exhibition will surprise, move, and inspire you.Don’t miss it! ๐ค๐ฐ๐ท #KoreanArt #LeeKunHeeCollection #Smithsonian #AsianArtMuseum #InwangJesaekdo #JeongSeon #KoreanTreasures #KArtExhibition #GoryeoCeladon #MoonJar #Chaekgado #JoseonDynasty #KoreanCulture #KoreanHeritage #KMuseum #KoreanHistory #WashingtonDC #DCExhibitions #KoreanMasterpieces #NationalTreasureKorea #KArtTour #KoreanAesthetics #KoreanPainting #KoreanCeramics #BuddhistArt #KCultureAbroad #KoreanDiaspora #ArtLovers #MuseumVisit #KArtWorldwide All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
