Musée Guimet to host exhibition on Korean chaekgeori art

The Musée Guimet in Paris will host an exhibition dedicated to chaekgeori, a Korean art form involving trompe-l'oeil paintings of libraries and cultural objects. Starting September 16, 2026, and running until January 4, 2027, the exhibition focuses on fine arts from the 18th to 20th centuries during the Joseon Dynasty.

The tradition originated under King Jeongjo (reigned 1776–1800), who prioritized education and books. Due to the demands of ruling, the King commissioned painters to create realistic depictions of libraries on folding screens, allowing him to remain symbolically surrounded by knowledge even when unable to read.

These paintings, often executed in ink, color, and gold on silk, depict books, porcelain, writing instruments, and precious objects. Beyond mere decoration, chaekgeori often represented the aspirations of the owners, showcasing items they desired to possess, including Chinese, Japanese, and Western influences.