Asian Cultural History Program
An ethnography of the Hermit Kingdom; The J.B. Bernadou Korean collection, 1884-1885.
Known as the "Hermit Kingdom" for its pre-1880s isolation, Korea became more accessible after the signing of a treaty of Amity & Commerce between Korea and the US in 1882. Amateur ethnographer Jean Baptiste Bernadou traveled to Korea in 1884-85 and collected a wide range of artifacts for the Smithsonian. This volume serves as a catalog of his collection, and is organized by artifact type: ceramics, textiles, clothing & accessories; household furniture, utensils, & accessories; writing implements; paintings, woodcut prints, & drawings; printed books, manuscripts, maps, and miscellany. Color photographs display entries, which are described briefly, and include information on dynasty, approximate date, materials, and dimensions. Published by the Asian Cultural History Program of the Smithsonian Institution. (Annotation ©2006 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
