Korean Jewelry Grand Master Kim Sang-sil

Inspired by the Korean artistic style Muninhwa, Kim Sang-sil nurtured the extraordinary in ordinary pieces by bringing them to life with natural color stacked upon dramatic black foundations. The Muninhwa art form was used by the upper class in Korean society and royal artwork. During the Joseon period, Minhwa, or the peoples’ art, came about as a return to the beauty of daily life using personal creative expression following the lines of nature. The gentleness of the art form with vibrant coloring was in contrast to the more formal Muninhwa.  In the Joseon period, a cultural artistic shift occurred that allowed middle-class people more freedom of expression; thus, Minhwa reflected the art of the everyday person. A comparison of the gentleness of Minhwa can be found in the Rococo art forms of Europe during the 18th century. The difference is that the colors of Minhwa are bolder, perhaps to replicate the Royal Korean colorings.