Luxury folding fans made in Naju, Jeollanam-do Province, in Joseon times have been found among the inventory of the Paris Fan Museum’s collection. (Naju Natural Dyeing Cultural Foundation)
By Jung Joo-ri and Kim Young Shin
A collection of luxury folding fans made in Naju, Jeollanam-do Province, one of the best fan-making cities during Joseon times (1392-1910), has been uncovered in Paris.
The Naju Natural Dyeing Cultural Foundation announced on May 28 that it has confirmed that multiple pieces of luxury folding fans made in Naju in the 19th century are among the collection possessed by the Musée de l'Eventail in Paris, also known as the Paris Fan Museum.
Until now, all of the Naju fan antiquities made in Joseon times have been round. The fans found in Paris, however, are folding, which were considered to be high-class in 19th-century Joseon society.
“Thanks to the help of Minister Lee Sang Yeol from the Korean Embassy in France, we investigated the items at the Louvre, the Guimet Museum and at the Paris Fan Museum and finally found the Naju fans,” said Director Heo Buk Gu from the foundation. "As Naju folding fans are highly valuable cultural assets in terms of academic research, we will make the most of it and find ways to retain our cultural heritage.”
etoilejr@korea.kr
Most popular
- Military discharge sets stage for reunion of all 7 BTS members
- 'We are back!' BTS Festa heralds hyped return of K-pop phenom
- Presidents Lee, Trump discuss tariff deal in first phone talks
- President Lee leaves for G7 Summit in Canada on first int'l trip
- K-pop streaming on Spotify skyrockets 470-fold in 10 years
