The National Palace Museum of Korea recently held a highly anticipated exhibition showcasing precious artifacts that had been stored in underground vaults for 19 years.
These artifacts were unveiled to the public for the first time, with the most eye-catching exhibit being a 500-year-old royal seal known as "Eobo."
This "Eobo" is not an ordinary item; it is a special seal used during the Joseon Dynasty for the investiture of crown princes or princesses.
The handle of the seal is designed in the shape of a turtle, which is unique and symbolically significant.
In East Asian culture, turtles are often seen as symbols of longevity and good fortune, making this design both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
These precious collections were displayed to the public for the first time since 2005.
The "Eobo" was designated a "Treasure" by the South Korean government in 2023, further highlighting its importance.
In South Korea, the term "Treasure" has a special significance, referring to cultural heritage items of great national historical and cultural value.
Not all artifacts can be termed "Treasures."
Having lain quietly in underground storage for 19 years, this "Eobo" is finally on display, attracting the attention of many visitors.
This exhibition not only provides an opportunity for the audience to engage closely with history but also allows people to appreciate the cultural and artistic charm of the Joseon Dynasty.
The announcement of the exhibition has sparked heated discussions among netizens.
Some pointed out that during the Ming Dynasty, the seals used for the investiture of vassal princes were also in the shape of turtles, drawing parallels between the historical ties of China and Korea.
One netizen specifically mentioned that Japan also has similar seals, though they are rarely displayed publicly, underscoring their preciousness and uniqueness.
Discussions among netizens have also delved into the craftsmanship and historical background of the seal.
One netizen explained the inscription on the seal: “Wangseson-in” (Crown Prince’s Seal).
According to this netizen, the owner of the seal might have been King Hyeonjong of Joseon (1641-1674), the 18th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.
During his reign, the dynasty experienced many significant historical events, making this seal historically significant.
However, this theory has also sparked debate and scrutiny among other netizens, especially regarding the title and historical context of the seal.
Some netizens argue that if this seal is indeed the "Crown Prince’s Seal," it should have been issued by the imperial court in the name of the emperor, not by a vassal king to his son.
Vassal kings did not have the authority to issue such seals, which should instead be called “Prince’s Seal.”
This discussion reveals netizens' attention to historical details and their enthusiasm for research.
Elsewhere, netizens mentioned seeing a turtle seal belonging to Prime Minister Li Cang of the Western Han Dynasty’s Changsha Kingdom at the Hunan Provincial Museum in China, highlighting the historical prevalence of turtle seals.
Turtle seals hold significant positions not only in Chinese history but also in the historical and cultural contexts of other East Asian countries.
Some netizens were surprised to find that this Korean "Eobo" was inscribed with Chinese characters, increasing their interest and sparking discussions on Sino-Korean cultural exchanges.
While most netizens appreciated the historical and cultural value of the "Eobo," some questioned its authenticity.
Some netizens argued that the seal looks too new, lacking the patina and weathering expected of historical artifacts, suspecting it might be a modern replica.
Such skepticism reflects concerns about the authenticity of artifacts, especially in an era where advanced technology makes it easier to create convincing replicas.
Determining the authenticity of artifacts has become a crucial task.
Additionally, some pointed out that the seal's script is Ninefold Seal Script, a historically based font closely linked to Chinese history.
Ninefold Seal Script is an ancient seal script commonly used in important official seals and documents.
Thus, this "Eobo" holds significant historical value not only in Korea but also in the history of Sino-Korean cultural exchanges.
The successful exhibition not only showcased Korea's rich cultural heritage but also promoted cultural exchange and historical research between China and Korea.
Many netizens shared their insights and comments online, evaluating the seal from various perspectives, including its script, material, and provenance.
Despite differing views, the exhibition of the "Eobo" undoubtedly added many highlights to the National Palace Museum of Korea and provided history enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to get close to a precious artifact.
Moreover, the exhibition has raised public awareness of artifact preservation and research.
Many netizens expressed their emphasis on artifact preservation in their comments, hoping that these valuable historical heritages can be better preserved and displayed.
Some history enthusiasts also expressed their desire for more opportunities to visit and learn about these precious artifacts, further enhancing their understanding and interest in history and culture.
In summary, this exhibition is not only a visual feast but also a grand event for cultural exchange and historical education.
It not only displayed the art and culture of the Joseon Dynasty but also provided audiences with an opportunity to deeply understand history.
In the future, we hope to see more such exhibitions and activities that promote cultural exchange and historical research, helping more people understand and cherish our cultural heritage.
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