Ceramics That Fire the Imagination

Eighteenth-century French ceramics are among the World's best, with graceful curves and geometrical lines that combine designs from East and West.

And among French ceramics, Sevres porcelain is the most prized. Masterpieces such as Madame Pompadour's aroma vase, named after the mistress of Louis XV, and Louis XVIII's cigarette case, are some famous examples.

The Korea National Museum is featuring a French porcelain exhibition in conjunction with the Musee National de Ceramique-Sevres. The collection will be on show until January 10, 2001, on the first floor of the Joseon Buncheong Ware Room.

The exhibition, organized to mark the Asia-Europe Meeting recently held in Seoul, showcases more than 180 pieces, ranging from 17th century Italian Fiance porcelain to works by Picasso.

Special attraction include a helmet-shaped water jar and a delicate blue vase depicting the ocean floor in gold and other colors. The collection allows us to imagine the elegance and opulence enjoyed by French royal families since the Middle Ages.

The Musee National de Ceramique - Sevres, established in 1842, is considered Europe's best ceramics museum, boasting more than 100,000 pieces. Call 02-398-5136 for more information.

by Park So-young