Talismans of Protection from Choson Korea: Antique Locks, Latches and Key Charms

Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Sunday, January 31, 2010
Suggested Donation: $5

Gallery Hours: Thursdays - Sundays, 12 - 5pm
OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009, 2-4 pm
Ah Rhee Soo Korean Restaurant is the reception sponsor

This exhibition features a rare collection of locks, latches and key charms, from the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910). The items reveal the richly symbolic and exquisitely decorative dimensions of traditional Korean aesthetic and craft traditions. On loan from the Lock Museum in Seoul, and shown for the first time in the United States, organized by The Korea Society and co-presented with Flushing Town Hall, the collection includes beautifully designed metal and wood objects executed in myriad shapes: dragons, turtles, butterflies, fish, bats and swallows. Although these objects served functional purposes in everyday life, such as securing gates and protecting the contents of chests and other kinds of furniture, the beauty of their design underscores the primarily symbolic nature of the protection they afforded. The key charms evolved from functional key holders into exquisitely decorated personal accessories passed from mothers to daughters.

The exhibition will be on view in New York City at two venues: The Korea Society (October 8, 2009-January 29, 2010) and Flushing Town Hall (October 10, 2009-January 31, 2010).

Related Events

Gallery Talk: Mysteries of Korean Locks
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009, 2 PM
Interactive conversation with Mr. Hong-kyu Choi, Founder and Director of the Lock Musem in Korea.

David Schober: Classical Music and Korean Culture
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009, 2 PM, FREE
Coinciding with our exhibition, Talismans of Protection from Choson Korea, David Schober, FCCA composer in residence, offers a program of works for piano and other instruments, including music inspired by the composer’s experience living in Korea.

Salon Sunday
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2009, 3:30 PM, FREE
Artists working in any discipline are invited to bring in slides and CDs of their work. Each artist is allotted a time to speak, followed by Q & A. Network over cookies and coffee. The public is always invited to meet area artists and join the discussion.

Art Workshop
Make Your own Maedeup Pieces - Korean Traditional Knotting
Create a beautiful work of art using Maedeup, the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting. Trained artisan Karen Ahn, featured in our Gift Shop, will give a demonstration and teach six of 38 basic knot types. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Maximum of 12 registrants; Materials included.

To register, call (718) 463-7700, ext. 222.

3 SESSION SERIES
$70/$56 Members/see individual workshop fees below

Workshop #1: Make a Key Charm
Saturday , November 7, 2-4 pm $22.50 / $18 Members

Workshop #2: Make a Dried Flower Bookmark
Saturday , November 14, 2009, 2-4 pm $22.50 / $18 Members

Workshop #3: Make a Necklace*
Saturday , November 21, 2009, 2-4 pm $30 / $24 Members
*Attendance at workshops #1 and #2 are a prerequisite for workshop #3