ceramics masterpieces

Ceramics Masterpieces in Seoul

The “First Edition” copy of the Portland vase (1790), a reproduction of the Roman cameo-cut glass vase dated 40-50 BC, is from Josiah Wedgwood’s factory in Staffordshire, England. / Courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Some of the world's most exquisite and precious ceramics have made the long journey from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London to Seoul. There are 117 ceramic pieces currently on display at the ``Masterpieces in Ceramics from the V&A" at the Korea Foundation Cultural Center Gallery, through June 23. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the history of ceramics, by seeing ancient artifacts from Egypt and China, and the delicate porcelain from Germany, England and France, to modern-day pottery. ``So much of the history of ceramics, is about the East, Korea, Japan and China. We always wanted to do an exhibition in Korea because we have a Korean collection. For no obvious reason, we have never done an exhibition in Korea before. We've done exhibitions in China and Japan, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to start this ceramics exhibition in a major Asian city like Seoul," V&A deputy director Ian Blatchford told The Korea Times. Blatchford said many of the pieces at the exhibition are being shown overseas for the first time. This is only possible since the V&A, one of the world's leading art museums, is currently renovating its ceramics gallery. ``This is our first time here, with 117 pieces from our collection of about 35,000. I mentioned that figure because, one, because we chose with great care, the objects that tell the history of ceramics and many of the objects are of astounding importance. But also I mention the size of the collection to be conceited, because it is the most comprehensive collection of ceramics in the world," Blatchford said. The exhibit is organized chronologically with nine sections, starting with ancient times. Visitors will be greeted by the stunning turquoise-glazed monumental scepter or ``Uas" from ancient Egypt. The scepter, which is dated around 1425 BC, is considered the largest existing piece made of Egyptian faience or crushed quartz. The oldest piece in the exhibit is a three-legged white unglazed earthenware ewer from Shandong province, China, dated 2500 BC. The exhibition shows how the ceramics and pottery tradition around the world are interconnected, particularly the influence of Chinese ceramic tradition in the Middle East and Europe. ``The two things that are less well known is the huge influence of Asian ceramics in the Middle East, and second, is the dramatic impact when Europe learned how to make porcelain. European ceramics lagged behind Asia for many centuries and when they finally discovered the secret (to making porcelain), it changed everything," Blatchford said. There are numerous pieces that will certainly catch the attention of visitors, such as a life-sized goat from the porcelain menagerie commissioned by Augustus the Strong in 1732; porcelain busts of France's King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette; the Alhambra vase and the ``First Edition" copy of the Portland vase by Josiah Wedgwood. Another highlight of the exhibit is Pablo Picasso's ``Artist at His Easel," depicting two scenes of a young artist as a sculptor and an old artist painting at an easel. ``It is not just about objects, but also about trade, civilization and the power of the individual. More than anything, it is really about human invention and ingenuity. I think that is definitely the most inspiring thing you'll take away from the exhibition," Blatchford said. While the exhibition has a few pieces from Korea, Blatchford said the V&A hopes to expand its ceramics collection with pieces from modern Korean artists. ``We are hoping to slightly expand the gallery with some contemporary ceramics. ... We hope, when the exhibition tours, people will get a stronger sense of the Korean tradition because in the West, when they think of ceramics, they think almost entirely of Chinese ceramics," he said. After Seoul, the exhibition will travel to Dusseldorf, Germany; Damascus, Syria; Istanbul, Turkey and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. There are children's workshops on weekdays (except Tuesdays) from April 1 to June 23, and family programs on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is 6,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for middle and high school students and 4,000 won for children ages 4-12. From each ticket, 1,000 won will be donated to UNICEF. The exhibit is open every day except Tuesdays. Visit www.kfcenter.or.kr or www.vakorea.net.