We bet you’ve never heard of this fascinating subject. Until 4 January, the Guimet Museum delves into Korean art from the 18th to the 20th century, exploring chaekgeori. This remarkable painting tradition depicts libraries on large folding screens, initially filled with books before gradually incorporating precious objects and curiosities. The result? A striking illusion: everything is painted! Beyond their delicacy and beauty, these works bear witness to the complex history of artistic and intellectual exchanges between Europe, China and Korea during this period. “We need to move beyond the expression ‘Land of the Morning Calm’ when describing Korea. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a country in motion, where culture circulated freely, a country open to the arts and literature,” explains Arnaud Bertrand, curator of the Chinese and Korean collections at the Guimet Museum and curator of the exhibition. A chance to travel back in time and brush up on your knowledge of Korean history.
Libraries and Cabinets of Curiosities
In the age of screens, reading is taking a back seat to scrolling. Guilty as charged! Books have become decorative objects, and bookshelves are increasingly used to dress up a room rather than to be read from. But this paradox is nothing new. In late-18th-century Korea, King Jeongjo, a very busy man (as kings tend to be), had little time to read. So he commissioned a trompe-l’œil folding screen depicting his library, allowing him to feel close to his books. Over time, these compositions became more elaborate: books and shelves were joined by precious objects, porcelain, bronzes, paintbrushes and even watches.
These imaginary libraries evolved into genuine cabinets of curiosities, where objects symbolised both knowledge and the desire to possess. Beneath the museum’s majestic rotunda, the artworks are displayed alongside real objects: porcelain, jewellery, a handbag and all manner of decorative treasures invite visitors to compare the painted collections with their tangible counterparts. It’s fun to spot the objects depicted on the screens in a kind of chaekgeori-style Where’s Wally? exhibition! This fascinating show is part of a trilogy celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. Following the exhibition on K-beauty in March and the exploration of the Kingdom of Silla in June, this is one not to miss!
Knowledge in Trompe-l’Œil, from 16 September to 4 January 2027. Open daily except Tuesday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
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