NUR-SULTAN – K-Chopsticks opened June 11 with a unique collection of Korean tableware featuring approximately 400 works by 46 renowned applied art masters from Jeonju. The exhibit, on display at the Library of the Elbasy (Leader of the Nation, the constitutional title accorded to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev), will continue through Aug. 11.
Photo credit: presidentlibrary.kz.
The collection includes master Kim Sonho’s lacquered flatware, master Li Changuk’s chopsticks made of Pundi pepper tree, master Lee Sora’s cases for tableware, master Pak Sangta’s cutlery of Korean traditional bronze Yuga and other works of art that tell the story of the Korean city.
“It’s a tribute to nature. Taking into account the fact that food is a source of energy for a person, in the countries of East Asia sticks are considered like conductors of this energy. Therefore, a lot of attention is paid to the art of making and how to hold the sticks. Today, we want to share this legacy with you. It is very important for us that we can contribute to the development of relations between Kazakhstan and Korea. In addition, we remember that the people of Kazakhstan very warmly received our compatriots during the war. This will forever remain in our memory,” said Park Sang On, general secretary of the Jeonju cultural industry promotional fund, at the opening ceremony.
General Secretary of the Jeonju cultural industry promotional fund Park Sang On. Photo credit: presidentlibrary.kz.
The collection travelled to museums in Bangkok (Thailand) in 2017 and Sydney (Australia) in 2018.
The exhibition also marks 10 years of Kazakh-Korean strategic partnership. Organisers include the Library and Korean cultural centre with the support of the Jeonju city administration and its cultural industry promotional fund.
The Library coordinated the event as a part of its Dialogue through Culture international exhibition. The project has served as a common ground for such events for more than ten years.
Photo credit: presidentlibrary.kz.
“The project allows us not only to establish cooperation with foreign partners, but above all, allows our visitors to witness and participate in a true dialogue of culture. Kazakhstan and Korea as strategic partners are at the stage of active deepening of this partnership,” said library director Amerkhan Rakhimzhanov.
The capital’s Korean cultural centre organised special introductory master classes June 12 where visitors could make their own chopsticks.
