Hwanghae Do province was located in the northwest of Korea. The provincial capital was Haeju. The regional name for the province was Haeseo. In 1395, the province was organized as Punghae (풍해도; 豐海道; Punghae-do). In 1417, it was renamed Hwanghae. The name derived from the names of the two principal cities of Hwangju (황주; 黃州) and Haeju (해주; 海州). In 1945, Korea was divided into Soviet and American zones […]
THE JAPAN FOLK CRAFTS MUSEUM THE TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM. Photos above: This shell-inlayed (raden) box is for storing sutra scrolls and was formerly owned by the Mōri Family. The hinge, lock and rings on the sides are thought to be later additions made in Japan. The letter 黄二 (yellow-two) on the one side indicates that […]
These two emblems were borrowed from Chinese mythology and are occasionally found in Korean art. Korean furniture is often adorned with auspicious motifs, frequently found on hinges or inlays made from materials such as mother of pearl, tortoiseshell, or shagreen. This design is less commonly carved into wood, as is the case with Chinese furniture. […]
Fish-shaped locks were among the most commonly found items in Korean homes. Just like the turtle, the fish symbolized protection, with their vigilant eyes always open. These fish-shaped locks would safeguard possessions while household members slept. Crafted from metal molds, these whimsically designed yellow brass locks were used to secure wardrobe armoires, wedding trousseau boxes, […]