CreatripTeam

Seoul’s Kansong Museum in Seongbuk-gu opened an autumn special exhibition, “Treasures Preserved: The Kansong Collection and Modern Connoisseurship,” tracing how prized art pieces changed hands among collectors. The show highlights works acquired by Kansong Jeon Hyung‑pil from seven prominent collectors active in the late Joseon and colonial periods. Notable is the John Gadsby collection (a British lawyer who collected Goryeo celadon while based in Japan), which contributed nine masterpieces including several national treasures (goryeo celadon pieces). The exhibition also presents important calligraphy and paintings from collectors such as Lee Byeong‑jik (the last eunuch), Min Yeong‑ik (a diplomat and painter), Wi Chang (O Se‑chang, Kansong’s mentor), and other cultural patrons whose donations shaped modern Korean art preservation. In total, 40 works are on view, offering insight into art circulation during Kansong’s era and honoring the collectors who broadened Korea’s modern art horizon. The show runs through November 30.