이화여자대학교박물관

The wind is a natural phenomenon that signals seasonal change, but also serves as a rich metaphor for many aspects of human life. A strong wind might stand for hardship and misfortune; a bleak wind for the futility of life; and a warm breeze for the advent of peace and new energy. Deified as a divine presence in both Eastern and Western mythology, the wind has also been interpreted as a transcendental existence or sacred force that stands apart from the earthly world. With its many layers of meaning, the wind has long inspired myriad works of art and literature. This exhibition aims at reflecting on the sprit and the significance of wind as artistic motif, as observed in paintings and craftwork from the Joseon Dynasty to early modern times. The various household items featured here, each designed to make the best use of the wind in everyday life, shed light on the aesthetic style of Koreans of the past, in pursuit of not only practicality but beauty in shapes and lines.