Goryeo Dynasty Lacquerwares 2015.09.17

CAS Luncheon Series

Thursday, September 17, 12:00 p.m.
CAS Conference Room, 1424 Broadway, CU-Boulder

Carla Stansifer will present this Luncheon Series talk.

By the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), Korean shell inlayed lacquerwares emerged as a unique and highly refined art form.  For 7,000 years the sap of the lacquer tree has been used throughout Asia to protect and beautify objects used for daily needs, rituals, and as fine art.  Over the centuries, Korean artisans perfected the techniques and motifs of inlaying shell and other natural materials to form durable works of art.  The artisans of the 10th century developed an icon of Korean culture and elegance.  Today, there is only one example of Goryeo dynasty inlaid lacquer extant in all of Korea.  Ms. Stansifer unravels the mysteries of this fascinating artistic technique.  Join her as she examines the particular characteristics of the Goryeo style inlayed lacquer wares and explores why these works are so rare.  Learn how this art form transitioned and why this shift is significant to understanding Korean history.