Korean moon jars, embodying the unique aesthetics of Joseon-era ceramics, are now captivating audiences in the heart of North America.

The National Museum of Korea (NMK) announced on the 5th that the Lunar Phases: Korean Moon Jars exhibition opened on March 2 at the Denver Art Museum in Colorado, USA. This special exhibition, part of NMK’s overseas museum support program, features three moon jars from the museum’s collection.

Following the 2023 exhibition Perfectly Imperfect: Korean Buncheong Ceramics, this marks the second major showcase of Korean art at the Denver Art Museum.

At the center of the exhibition are twelve moon jars—six crafted during the Joseon Dynasty and six created by contemporary ceramic artists—symbolizing the twelve months of the year and the continuity of time from past to present. Complementing these works, nine modern art pieces, including paintings, photographs, videos, and installations inspired by moon jars, offer a contemporary reinterpretation of this traditional form.

The National Museum of Korea emphasized a shift in curatorial trends for overseas exhibitions. “Until the early 2000s, most international exhibitions followed a chronological structure from prehistoric times to the Joseon Dynasty. However, in recent years, exhibitions have increasingly focused on specific genres and artifacts, allowing for deeper appreciation. This exhibition reflects that evolving approach,” the museum stated.

This exhibition follows a tradition of major Korean art showcases in the U.S., such as the Silla exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2013, Royal Court Banquets of Joseon at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, and the Korean Buddhas (2020) and Korean Chimi (2022) exhibitions at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.

The Denver Art Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Native American, Asian, European, and Latin American art, has been strengthening its focus on Korean art since 2023 with NMK’s support. Two Korean curators are currently based at the museum, further facilitating collaborations.

In addition to historical works, the exhibition highlights contemporary reinterpretations of moon jars. Ken Gun Min’s artwork is featured in this exhibition, while works by Lee Seung Min and Lee Jae Yi are set to be displayed at upcoming exhibitions at the Denver Contemporary Art Museum and the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., respectively. The museum has also acquired four Korean contemporary artworks by Kim Min Jae, Lee Dong Sik, Park Young Joon, and Steven Young Lee, all of which are showcased in Lunar Phases.

Kim Jae Hong, Director of the National Museum of Korea, stated, “We will continue to foster international partnerships with key museums around the world, as demonstrated by our collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, to further promote the diversity of Korean culture.”

The Lunar Phases exhibition runs until June 8 at the Gallagher Gallery on the first floor of the Denver Art Museum.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com