For nearly five centuries, arts and culture flourished under the patronage of the Goryeo aristocracy, whose taste for luxury and refinement was unprecedented in the history of the country. Goryeo Dynasty features 113 rare and superb artworks (seven are designated as National Treasures of Korea) from this period-many on view in the United States for the first time-including extraordinary celadon ceramics, Buddhist paintings and sculptures, illustrated sutras (sacred Buddhist texts), ritual implements, metal crafts, and lacquer wares. Because many of the objects-which come from more than thirty-five lenders throughout Asia, Europe and the United States-are too delicate to be on extended leave from their collections, the Asian Art Museum's presentation will serve as the public's only opportunity to encounter them in a single venue. A comprehensive and fully illustrated 320-page catalogue published by the Asian Art Museum accompanies the exhibition.

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