Treasures from Korea

Now through the end of May, head to the PMA for a jaunt through the far east: Korea.  A sweeping panorama, Treasures from Korea celebrates the artistic achievements of the Joseon dynasty, a line of twenty-seven monarchs that ruled the Korean peninsula for more than five hundred years and left a substantial legacy for modern Korea. A variety of objects—including painted screens, scrolls, calligraphy, furnishings, costumes, accessories, and ritual wares used in ancestral rites and Buddhist worship—explore the roles of king and court, the distinct spheres of men and women in society, and religious beliefs, all underpinned by the ideals of Confucianism. 

Costumes on display, striking for their strong blocks of pure color, offer important insights reflecting ranks and roles across the span of Joseon life.  These courtier’s official robes, or jobok, contains a cloud-and-crane pattern and gold ring ornaments that he would have worn in the presence of the king. 

The Colorblock Karlie Ballet Flats by meToo have a lot in common with the jobok on display: the graphic lines; the shades of red, blue, and ivory.  No gold rings, though.  The upper is patent leather and ends in a round toe at one end and a quarter-inch heel at the other.  Also available in a tan/gray combo; your choice for $66 from TravelSmith.

This beautiful water dropper was used by scholars to dilute ink or moisten ink sticks before grinding them.  Made of porcelain, it’s decorated with bamboo and a humorous poem about how it’s used.  Because why not, right?

Ugh, the Nesta by Taylor Says is just too beautiful.  The white and blue floral print fabric up the 5.25-inch heel, on the 1.5-inch platform, and around the peep toe is so evocative of the bamboo on the water dropper, isn’t it?  The rest of the shoe’s body is blue leather, tied at the front with ribbon and dangling golden beads.  Oh, and the sole has a colorful print of a matryoshka doll!  There is just so much to love here.  Find them at Heels.com for $180.

This beauty is a seal made for King Yeongjo, in the form of a large gold turtle finished with a red cord and tassel.  What a sly little face on this guy.

Gold, tassels… yep, the Gold Moccasins by Emma Lou fit the bill!  Smoking slippers covered in sparkling gold glitter are topped at their almond toes by gold tassels.  They’re classic, they’re fun… perfect for a night out at the museum!  On sale for $65 at Lyst.

If you like these pieces, you’ll love the other 150 now on display on the PMA.  So head over between now and May 6, before they’re gone!

Sales this weekend:

Bakers: All sandals 20% off

Call it Spring: Extra 20% off everything with code HOPTOIT

Lord & Taylor: Extra 25% off with code FRIENDS

Macy's: 20% off one pair, 25% off two pairs, and 30% off three or more pairs with code GREAT

Payless: Easter sale-- up to 40% off