Page 13 - Symbols_of_Identity_Korean_Ceramics_from the Chang Collection

These two pieces, loaned by Dr. Chester and Mrs. Wanda Chang, are currently on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural
History’s Korea Gallery. The Joseon period porcelain jar (left) and Goreyo period bronze mirror (right) are featured in a historical timeline
of Korean history. For a full guide to the exhibition and objects on display see Taylor and Lotis (2008). (Photos by Chip Clark)

history, and these traditions are prevalent in Korean earliest periods of Korean history to the modern day.
folk art, being incorporated with Buddhist, Daoist, and The ceramics that were passed down to him from his
Confucian motifs. family also include Chinese and Japanese ceramics of
various time periods.
The identity of an individual may also be personified
in his or her collection. In describing why he enjoys Chang’s collection has been loaned for exhibit and/or
collecting, Chester Chang explains, “I collect and share, gifted to institutions worldwide. He estimates a total of
therefore I am” (pers. comm.). Chang’s enthusiasm and five hundred pieces have been donated over the years,
love of art are contagious and his ability to share his including pieces to the Los Angeles County Museum
collection with others is very important to him. His of Art, the University of Hawaii’s Center for Korean
collection includes all types of Asian art including works Studies, the Kyungwoon Museum’s Kyunggi Girls
from China, Japan, and Vietnam, but his strongest School, the University of Southern California’s Korean
connection is to the work from his native land. Pearce Studies Institute and School of Social Work, and single
submits that, “we are all symbols of ourselves, and items to the Korean National Museum, the Honolulu
objects which, in so many ways, are our alter egos are Academy of Art, and the Korea Foundation.
equally symbols of themselves. Collecting becomes
a simple, effective way of merging these symbols into Chang and his wife began actively donating during
broader and deeper meaning” (1998, 184). the 2003 Korean American Centennial celebration.
This was a particularly important occasion to them
Dr. Chester and Mrs. Wanda Chang’s collection of and millions of Korean Americans, as it marked the
Korean art and artifacts is unique and expansive, anniversary of the first Korean immigrants to arrive
encompassing ceramics, paintings, lacquerware, stone in Hawaii in 1903. In 2007, Chang loaned two pieces
carvings, bronze pieces, woodcarvings, and furniture. for display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum
Chang estimates that the collection includes roughly of Natural History. These pieces, a Goryeo period
1,000 pieces, not counting old books, currency, bronze mirror and a Joseon period porcelain jar with
and other smaller items such as court ornaments. It auspicious symbols, became a part of the Smithsonian’s
extends across time periods and dynasties, from the Korea Gallery exhibition.

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