We’re at the Smithsonian!
Yes we are! I visited the Smithsonian’s Sackler Gallery over the weekend and found our book in the gift shop. The gal behind the counter had me sign them all, and, more importantly, she told me that they’re selling! Save
High Fashion in the Mountains
I don’t think it’s possible to go anywhere in Korea and not be within view of at least one mountain. It is a very, very mountainous country, and, not surprisingly, the mountains have long held deep religious meaning and significance for Koreans. Each was traditionally believed to be sacred, home to a mountain spirit, Sanshin. …
Korean Art in Surprising Places
Both Debbi and I have been collecting books about Korean art, handicrafts, and culture for years, but for the most part we’ve found them in Korea and lugged them back home. When we set out to write 100 Thimbles in a Box, we did some research to document our impression that there are relatively few…
Those Blessed Beautiful Thimbles
When I think of a thimble, I imagine a metal cap that fits on my finger with indentations to help stabilize the needle I might be using. Not so the Korean thimble! Traditionally and even today, they are made of natural materials (often layers of stiffened paper) and then covered lovingly with brightly colored silk…
Traditional Themes Abound in Modern Seoul
Walking around Seoul on our recent trip in May, I was struck by the way in which one bumps up against traditional images all around this very, very modern city. You don’t have to go into a museum or a handicraft shop to be reminded of the long cultural history of Korea. And the biggest…
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The very first time I went to Korea in 1985, in connection with my son’s adoption, I spent a week there and had a chance to explore. Never having been there before, it was all absolutely new and fascinating to me. My most vivid memory of that trip, other than the time spent at Eastern…