Collection
Korean Art
Hailed as one of the most important in the United States, PEM’s Korean collection reflects Korea and Korean life from the late Joseon to the present.
PEM’s Korean collection is important for both its historical significance and its contents.
One of the nation’s earliest and most historically significant museum collections of Korean art and culture. PEM’s superlative collection reflects Korea and Korean life during the late Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) and early 20th century, a period of time when Korea first opened its door to the West.
PEM’s early Korean collection was primarily formed by Edward Sylvester Morse, director of the Peabody Academy of Science (a predecessor organization to PEM) from 1880 to 1914, who proactively pursued Korean acquisitions during his tenure. In 1883, Morse met Count Paul G. von Möllendorff, a diplomat and advisor to King Gojong (r. 1863–1907) and requested that he purchase Korean objects on the museum’s behalf. Morse continued to pursue other Korean acquisitions during his tenure, including a group of nine Korean musical instruments exhibited at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as the World’s Fair. Several years later, Charles Goddard Weld assisted with the purchase of Korean works for PEM from Dr. Gustavus Goward, a diplomat who served in Korea, Japan and other parts of the Pacific Rim. PEM’s Korean collection continued to grow in the early 20th century. Some of the most important works, including the late Joseon bridal robe (hwarot) and early 19th century folded screen, Welcoming Banquet of the Governor of Pyeongan, arrived at PEM in this period.
PEM’s collection emphasizes works that reflect the prominence of Korean women artists and artisans in textiles, basketry and paper-mache objects and it continues to grow and diversify thanks to important acquisitions, including fine mid-Joseon mother of pearl inlaid lacquer ware, a Nectar Ritual painting from 1744, which is a superlative example of a late JoseonKorean religious painting, an exquisite 19th century folding screen depicting Banquet of Queen Mother of the West, and the recent acquisition of Nam June Paik’s 2001 Ceramic Vessel.
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Highlights from this collection
Portrait of Yu Giljun, 19th century
A. B. Cross Photography Studio, Salem, Massachusetts, Portrait of Yu Giljun, 19th century. Photographic print. Phillips Library. Edward Sylvester Morse Papers. E2, box 88 3 Japan, ETH000031.
On view in Salem Stories.
Fan (taegeukseon), 19th century
Artist in Korea, Fan (taegeukseon), 19th century. Paper, lacquer, and wood. Gift of Dr. Charles Goddard Weld, 1899. E9812.
On view in Salem Stories.
Bridal robe (hwarot), late 18th century
Artists in Korea, Bridal robe (hwarot), late 18th century. Silk, paper, cotton, wool, and metallic thread. Gift of Yamanaka and Company, 1927. E20190.F. Photo by Dennis Helmar.
Village guardian posts (jangseung), late 19th century
Artists in Korea, Village guardian posts (jangseung), late 19th century. Wood, pigment. Gift of Yamanaka and Company, in memory of Professor Edward S. Morse, 1930. E20809, E20810. Photo by Dennis Helmar.
On view in the Garden Atrium.
Nectar Ritual (gamnotaeng) hanging scroll, 1744
Artists in Korea, Nectar Ritual (gamnotaeng) hanging scroll, 1744. Ink and pigment on silk. Museum purchase, made possible by an anonymous donor, 2004. E302324.
Hat (gat), before 1883
Artist in Korea, Hat (gat), before 1883. Hair, lacquer, and bamboo. Gift of Yu Giljun, 1883. E1573.
On view in Salem Stories.
Noblewoman’s bridal fan (jinjuseon), 18th century
Artist in Korea, Noblewoman’s bridal fan (jinjuseon), 18th century. Embroidered silk and metal fittings. Museum purchase. 1927. E20165. Photo by Dennis Helmar
Screen, late 18th century
Korean artist, screen, late 18th century. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Beal. 134187. Peabody Essex Museum.
Wrapping cloth (bojagi), 20th century
Artist in Korea, Wrapping cloth (bojagi), 20th century. Ramie. Museum purchase, made possible by the Toplitz Hilborn Memorial Fund, 2001. E301728.
Rank badge with two cranes and clouds for a civil official, 19th century
Artist in Korea, Rank badge with two cranes and clouds for a civil official, 19th century. Embroidered silk threads on silk damask. Gift of Gustavus Goward, 1899. E9785.
Free reed wind instrument (saenghwang), 19th century
Artist in Korea, Free reed wind instrument (saenghwang), 19th century. Bamboo, rattan, wood, and bone. Museum purchase from the World's Columbian Exhibition, Chicago, 1893. E9796.
On view in Salem Stories.
Dragon jar, late 19th century
Artists in Korea, Dragon jar, late 19th century. Porcelain. Gift of Kang Collection, Korean Art, New York, 2004. E302330. Photo by Dennis Helmar
Ten-panel screen (Banquet of Guo Ziyi), late 19th-early 20th century
Artist in Korea, Ten-panel screen (Banquet of Guo Ziyi), late 19th-early 20th century. Silk, paint and ink. Gift of Cynthia M. Nadai, in memory and honor of Edwin Morgan. 2023.29.1. Courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum.
Lute (biwa), 19th century
Artist in Korea, Lute (biwa), 19th century. Wood, composite, and cotton. Museum purchase from the World's Columbian Exhibition, Chicago, 1893. E9801.
Loans and acquisitions
PEM is committed to providing the broadest possible access to its collection through the loan of objects for educational and scholarly purposes. Learn how to request a loan from the museum’s collection.
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Past Exhibition
Auspicious Wishes and Natural Beauty in Korean Art
December 14, 2007 to June 18, 2012
