[KS] Shim Ceramics Return from Japan

[Frank M. Tedesco]

>      07-09-98 : Ceramic Works of Shim Family Return Home After
>      400 Years
> 
>      By Edward Kim Staff reporter
> 
>      Four hundred years ago, about 80 artisans from Korea's Choson
>      Dynasty were taken from their homes by invaders to produce and
>      develop pottery in Japan. And now the works of one of those
>      families of craftsmen have returned home for its Seoul debut
>      exhibition.
> 
>      The exhibition titled ``Nostalgia In 400 Years _ The Shim Su-kwan
>      Family's Ceramic Art'' features 14 generations' worth of ceramics
>      and pottery by the Shim family, a prominent figure in the history
>      of Japanese pottery. The show which started Tuesday will run till
>      Aug. 10 at Ilmin Museum of Art.
> 
>      During the Hideyoshi Invasion of Korea (1592-1598), about 40
>      potters including Shim Dang-gil, forefather of the Shim family,
>      were taken to Kagoshima in southern Japan to set up an artisan
>      village in Sazuma because Japanese pottery lacked the
>      sophistication and development of Korean pottery, such as Koryo
>      blue celadon and Choson white porcelain.
> 
>      The Shim family's Choson-style ceramics helped cultivate the
>      famous Japanese pottery, Sazumayaki, which was first made known
>      internationally at the 1873 World Fair held in Vienna, Austria.
> 
>      Despite the hardships that come with retaining a Korean family
>      name in Japan, the Shim family, showing pride in their heritage,
>      clung to their name and showed the artistic spirit of Choson
>      potters in their works.
> 
>      Beside the basic potter's clay and porcelain, they used Kagoshima
>      clay which is known for its iron content, which gives ceramics a
>      bright, black finish.
> 
>      Gradually, the Shim family, changing from simple, clean Choson
>      pottery, began to develop a Japanese sense of style and form _
>      adding bright, magnificent gold coloring and carving techniques.
> 
>      About 140 pieces of ceramics and pottery _ including figurines
>      and household goods, such as incense burners, vases and dishes _
>      spanning 14 generations will be displayed along with other relics
>      such as ``mang-kun''(horsehair-woven hairband), old manuscripts
>      and potter's tools used by the Shim family.
> 
>      Famous pieces from the founder Shim Dang-gil's black, glossy
>      earthenware to the present day Shim Su-kwan's gold-painted
>      ceramics are included in this show.
> 
>      The ceramic arts of the Shim family range from the decorative to
>      the functional, often combining both in a harmonious blend of
>      utility and aesthetics. Some of the pieces are even damaged,
>      testifying to their old age and history.
> 
>      The Shim family's devotion to their art is evident by the fine
>      craftsmanship and exquisite detail shown in every piece. The
>      Oriental themes range from the mythical and natural to domestic
>      scenes like a little boy spying on a mouse.
> 
>      In addition to the exhibition, a video screening will be shown,
>      explaining the history of the Shim family's ceramic arts and how
>      they make their works. Also every Wednesday at 2 p.m. during the
>      exhibition period, a lecture will be held on the Shim family's
>      art and other related topics.
> 
>      Admission fee is priced at 3,000 won for adults and 2,000 won for
>      students. For more information, please call 721-7772, 7776.
> 
>            Copyright 1998 Korea Herald. All right reserved.
>                      Designed by ISM Corporation
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/kh0709/m0709c01.html

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