Horim hosts stoneware stand exhibit

Horim Museum is exhibiting a rare collection of stoneware stands. Provided by Horim Museum

A rare exhibition of Gaya confederacy (42-562) stoneware stands is on display at Horim Museum in Sillim-dong, western Seoul.

“Most museums have an average of one or two pieces of stoneware stands on display,” said curator Park Gwang-heon.

“However, it is a rare chance for Seoulites to enjoy more than 40 pieces coming together in a single space,” Park added.

A stoneware stand is a used as a base for round-bottomed ceramic pieces in Gaya, a confederacy of chiefdoms during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC?668) in the area that is now known as Gimhae, South Gyeongsang.

Stoneware stands were widely used in Baekje (234-678) and Silla (57 BC-935). People of Goguryeo (37 BC?668) were not known to use stoneware stands.

Since the relics were found near tombs, historians assume that stoneware stands were mostly used for jesa - a ritual ceremony to commemorate ancestors.

Stoneware stands can be categorized into four types, but this exhibition solely focuses on 4th and 5th century cylinder-shaped stoneware stands.

Cylinder-shaped stoneware stands can be divided into three categories according to their size.

*The exhibition runs through March 31. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Admission is 4,000 won ($3.55) for adults and 2,000 won for students.

Go to Sillim Station, line No. 2, exit 5. For more information, call (02) 858-2500, 3874 or visit www.horimmuseum.org.

By Yoo Sun-young Contributing writer [estyle@joongang.co.kr]