For first time, SeMoCA holds Buddhist-themed embroidery exhibition
In celebration of Buddha's Birthday, the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA) is presenting South Korea's first and largest Buddhist-themed embroidery exhibition, showcasing traditional works and treasured artifacts rarely available for public viewing.
Buddha's Birthday, celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, falls on May 5 this year.
Titled 'Weaving Devotion – Sacred Stitches Leading to Nirvana,' the exhibition offers a rare look at traditional embroidered 'Kasaya,' Buddhist monastic robes, including one that has not been on public display in 47 years since its last appearance at a special exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in 1978.
Originally a simple garment symbolizing a practitioner's commitment to the path of enlightenment, the Kasaya was adapted across East Asia to suit local climates and cultural norms. In Korea, it evolved into a ritual robe worn over the monastic inner garment, often conferred upon highly esteemed monks who contributed to national peace, social order and unity during times of crisis, according to the SeMoCA.
"By looking at the exhibition, visitors will have a deeper understanding of the people's desires, hopes and dreams from that time. They could also compare them to the dreams we have today and see the differences and similarities," Kim Soo-jung, director of SeMoCA, said during a press tour on Wednesday.
Among the highlights is a restored Kasaya robe donated by the late Heo Dong-hwa, former president of the Korean Museum Association, restored in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center.
The exhibition features some 55 pieces, including embroidered Kasaya robes and portraits of esteemed monks dating from the Goryeo era (918–1392) to the modern era. Many of the artifacts have been carefully preserved at major temples nationwide.
Of particular note are ceremonial robes once worn by Seosan Daesa and Samyeong Daesa, two revered monks who played critical roles during the Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century. The robes were conferred by King Seonjo of the Joseon era in recognition of the monks' leadership in organizing monastic militias to reclaim the capital.
Running alongside the main exhibition is 'Light Awakens the Heart,' a special display in the museum's lobby commemorating the fifth anniversary of Yondeunghoe — the Lotus Lantern Festival -- being inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
'Weaving Devotion – Sacred Stitches Leading to Nirvana' runs through July 27 at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. Admission is free. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Mondays.
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