The Cabinet of Illusions. Trompe-l'œil Knowledge, Korea (18th–20th Century)

At the end of the 18th century in Korea, trompe-l'œil paintings of libraries, or chaekgeori, illustrate the intellectual curiosity and openness of the Joseon kingdom. Inspired by both Chinese tradition and European perspective, these works—true cabinets of desires—attest to an erudite and poetic universe. For the first time at the Musée Guimet, an exhibition reestablishes this pictorial movement's central role. Books, porcelains, bronzes, and works of art combine to create cleverly orchestrated illusions that evolve toward a dreamlike style, halfway between surrealism and fauvism.

Thierry Ollivier, Vase with knotted fabric decoration, China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911), Qianlong reign and mark (1736-1795) - Courtesy of the artist and Guimet – musée national des arts asiatiques.