Han Collection

This eight-panel folding screen depicts a banquet held in honour of Guo Ziyi (697–781), the celebrated general of China’s Tang dynasty(618 - 907).Renowned not only for his military achievements but also for his exceptional longevity(he lived to the age of 85) and for the prosperity of his descendants, Guo Ziyi came to embody ideals of generational flourishing, loyalty, and moral fortitude within Confucian thought. Over time, he was regarded as an auspicious figure associated with familial harmony, wealth, and happiness, and imagery celebrating his life became especially popular in 19th-century Joseon dynasty visual culture.

In this composition, he is shown presiding over a grand banquet, enjoying music and dance performances while surrounded by his extended family. The scene is enriched with auspicious motifs, pine trees, cranes, deers, and birds, which collectively reinforce themes of longevity, harmony, and prosperity. Carefully staged as an idealised vision of familial and social order, such screens functioned not merely as decoration but as The screen dates to the early– mid 19th century, and examples of this type are extremely rare. The composition, ex*****on, and refined handling of detail suggest that it was produced by court painters, with particularly accomplished brushwork evident in the depiction of facial expressions and the flowing drapery of the figures, indicating the hand of a master artist. The subtle use of gold in the architectural elements is consistent with courtly painting practices. The original silk framing of the screen is beneath a later applied figurative silk layer. The screen originally featured a rich burgundy silk mount with red and white supporting bands framing the painting, consistent with courtly presentations tandards.

While carrying forward the tradition of ink painting, Min Kyung-gap developed his own distinctive coloring technique, creating works characterized by dynamic lines and expressive forms. Working with ink on traditional Korean hanji paper, he has cultivated a unique artistic style that moves fluidly between representation and abstraction, blending the beauty of nature with intangible traditions, boundless vitality, and philosophical reflection. His works have been praised for "transcending the limits of Korean painting by combining traditional Korean aesthetics with modern techniques."

Nature has been the enduring theme of Min's artistic journey. Through his exploration of the identity of Korean painting, he came to believe that Korean art should express the emotions and spirit of the Korean people through distinctly Korean media, and he found that answer in nature. As he explains, "Nature is a constant teacher and an ever-faithful friend. The countless transformations that occur within it become the motifs for my work."

This philosophy is vividly reflected in his Coexistence with Nature series, where majestic mountains are rendered through abstract, geometric planes of color. From the image alone, it is difficult to identify any specific mountain range. Rather than depicting his subjects literally, Min deconstructs their forms, discovering new modes of expression and infusing them with bold, vibrant colors to maximize visual impact and delight.

painting

We are delighted to be participating in East ↔ West: Creative Crossings at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, an exhibition shaped by movement, exchange, and the spaces in between.

Curated by Mayfair Design District, the exhibition brings together artists and designers working across Asian and Western practices, exploring craft, material, and cultural memory as living, evolving languages. Installed throughout the hotel’s public spaces, the works enter into a quiet yet resonant dialogue with the architecture and with one another, inviting pause, attention, and reflection.

This presentation features:

Lee Chang-soo, “London Night Scenery”, 2025, porcelain, colour pigments, transparent glaze
Kim Hyun-jong, “Vase with Pine Tree Decoration”, 2023, porcelain, cobalt blue, iron oxide, silver lustre

Photography by

Rooted in Mayfair, shaped by global exchange.

 

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website, Korean Fine Living, created to carry the spirit of Han Collection beyond the exhibition space and into the rhythm of daily life.

We have curated a boutique collection featuring one-of-a-kind tableware that embodies the quiet harmony between tradition and modern design. Each piece reflects the soul of its maker - crafted by hand, refined through generations, and infused with a timeless sense of balance and grace. Through these works, we invite you to rediscover the art of everyday rituals: to dine, gather, and create meaningful moments with objects that tell a story.

And this is only the beginning, new pieces will be released every week, so stay tuned for what’s to come.

Shop via the link in bio

www.koreanfineliving.com

We would like to thank everyone who attended the opening of our new exhibition, Traces of Time, Lee Chang-soo’s solo show. The artist will hold two additional demonstrations of his openwork technique this coming Saturday, 1st November, at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. We warmly invite you to join these sessions, where Lee will share insights into his creative process and the inspirations that shape his work. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience if you wish to attend.

The exhibition runs until the 22nd November. The selection of artworks reflects sustained effort and long-term experimentation, defined by a pursuit of completeness and depth. Inspired by the striking contrasts of urban environments, vibrant city lights, nature, and a convergence of Eastern and Western sensibilities, the works present a complex and engaging visual dialogue.

Join us for the opening of Traces of Time, a solo exhibition by Lee Chang-soo, on 30 October, 18:00–20:00. The artist will be present to demonstrate his openwork technique and share insights into his creative process.

Running from 30 October to 22 November, the exhibition presents an ongoing exploration of visual language through the expansion of dots and lines, ultimately forming complete images that evoke emotion, memory, and transformation. These visual traces serve as records of the artist’s inner journey, inviting viewers to engage with his perspective.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to ensure your name is included on the guest list

Due to the overwhelming interest, we’re pleased to announce that the exhibition, “Lines Between Silence: A Dialogue in Thread, Clay, and Wood,” has been extended until 27th September. We sincerely thank everyone who has visited and supported the show so far!

Featuring works by Jung So-yun, Shin Su-yeon, and Kim Ki-tae, the exhibition explores natural forms and landscapes through the distinct materials of thread, clay, and wood - weaving together a contemplative experience that resonates quietly across form and material.

Don’t miss the chance to experience it in person!

The Revelations Biennale is now open, and we are excited to present a curated selection of Korea’s finest craftsmanship in the heart of Paris.

Our exhibition showcases exceptional works in celadon, buncheong, porcelain, lacquer, and mother-of-pearl—each piece reflecting Korea’s rich artistic heritage. From the timeless elegance of celadon to the intricate beauty of lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay, these works embody the skill, precision, and innovation that have shaped Korean craft through the centuries. This collection offers a unique opportunity to explore how traditional craftsmanship continues to influence and inspire contemporary design.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Revelations Biennale and sharing this extraordinary display with you.

We’re excited to share a sneak preview of some of the incredible artists we’ll be showcasing during our collaboration with Icheon Ceramic as part of London Craft Week.

Kim Daisung masterfully utilises metalware to evoke the elegance of the moon jar silhouette. Na Yong-hwan presents intricate buncheong ware, while Han Do-hyun captivates with his stunning copper red glazes on porcelain.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see these beautiful pieces—and many more—in person. Visit our gallery during London Craft Week, 12–18 May.

We are thrilled to participating London Craft Week 2025 with I Cheon artists.

Please take a look at our exhibition for this year's London Craft week which lasts until 18th of May 2025. We have a variety of contemporary Korean ceramics from white porcelain jars in minimalists white porcelain to stoneware iron decorated Buncheong and also glass works, metal ware and lacquer pieces . We hope that you can all take a look at our exhibition before these art works sent back to Korea !! Please pop in to our gallery in Bloomsbury during the usual opening hours. No booking is required and entry is free.

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