Wine Pitcher (Translation)
은제도금복문주자 김홍자 (Primary Title)
銀製鍍金福文注子 金弘子 (Primary Title)

Komelia Hongja Okim 김홍자 (金弘子), American, born Korea, 1939 (Artist)

2007–2009
Korean
Silver, 24k gold foil
Asia,Korea,North America,USA
Overall: 6 × 6 × 4 in. (15.24 × 15.24 × 10.16 cm)
2019.339.1a-b
Set "Cup" (2019.339.2)
Born in Seoul and presently based in Maryland, Komelia Okim uses silver and gold metalworking techniques to create work that experiments with abstraction and Korean craft traditions. This pair of objects is modeled after customary vessels used in Korean wedding ceremonies, where wine is offered to the bride, groom, and their parents. Both components feature the traditional Korean and Chinese character “福" in gold, representing blessings for a happy marriage, and the artist’s seal in both languages as well.
Modern period (1910-present)
Okim 弘, incised into a rectangular piece soldered outside footring
See the Signature
Four Chinese characters 福 (happiness) in gold foil, fused on exterior wall.
Gift of the artist
2008: Exhibition on wedding rituals held in Savannah, GA as part of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) annual conference.

2009: Group exhibition, "Traces & Trajectories: Current Works of Ten Korean American Artists," at the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Art Center.

Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.