Lost Korean Modern Art Masterpieces Found in Tokyo Imperial Palace

A significant discovery has shed light on a lost chapter of Korean modern art history, with a Japanese researcher identifying nearly 100 masterpieces preserved within the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. These works, acquired by the Japanese Imperial Household Ministry between 1922 and 1933, were previously believed to be lost or were only known through faint reproductions in exhibition catalogs.

The collection comprises 62 award-winning pieces from the Joseon Art Exhibition, an event held during the Japanese colonial period. The works include paintings and calligraphy by eight prominent Korean artists active in the 1920s and 1930s, such as Ko Hui-dong, considered Korea's first Western-style painter, and Hong Deuk-soon. The discovery was announced by Junichiro Tanaka, chief curator at the Museum of the Imperial Collections, who presented his findings based on archival records like the "Jangryeongrok" (Award Records) and "Jangryeoumae-sangpum-yeon-do-byeolbu" (Annual Records of Awarded Purchases).

Tanaka's research indicates that the Imperial Household Ministry purchased these works as part of its imperial collection. Among the surviving pieces are five Western-style paintings, four examples of literati painting, and one folding screen. The Western-style works are particularly noteworthy, as surviving examples from this period are scarce. Notable pieces include Ko Hui-dong's 1924 "Study," Hong Deuk-soon's "Banghwasuryujeong in the Outskirts of Suwon" (1929), and Kim Chang-seop's "Cathedral" (1923).

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Many of the works submitted to the Joseon Art Exhibition in the 1920s and early 1930s are not extant, and actual paintings from the Korean modern art scene in the late 1920s and early 1930s are rare. Therefore, the Western-style paintings revealed this time will be of great help in filling the gaps in modern painting history.

Art historian Kwon Haeng-ga described the discovery as crucial for filling the "gaps in modern painting history," especially given the rarity of actual paintings from Korean modern artists in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A portion of a 17-panel folding screen by the renowned artist Haegang Kim Gyu-jin was also revealed, though it requires restoration.

Tanaka expressed hope for future collaboration with Korean academia to further investigate the collection, which may also include works acquired through donations or other channels. His research is set to be published in the upcoming issue of the academic journal "Korean Modern and Contemporary Art History." This finding not only reaffirms the artistic achievements of Korean artists during a difficult historical period but also highlights the importance of preserving and studying cultural heritage across borders.

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It is understood that there are some works by Korean artists acquired through donations from high-ranking officials in various fields or through other channels, in addition to the award-winning pieces from the Joseon Art Exhibition, but a comprehensive investigation has not yet been conducted.