Ham Seok-tae collection of Korean artifacts during Japanese occupation

Kim, Sangyeop

doi:2025.63.8.266

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 63(8); 2025 > Article

Special Issue

Journal of Korean Dental Association 2025;63(8):266-273.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2025.63.8.005 Published online August 31, 2025.

일제강점기 고미술품 수장가 치과의사 함석태

Ham Seok-tae collection of Korean artifacts during Japanese occupation

Sangyeop Kim

Gyeonggi Provincial Cultural Heritage Committee, Suwon, Korea

Correspondence: Sangyeop Kim, Tel: +82-2-743-6260,
Email: happybard@naver.com

Abstract

Dentist Seok-tae Ham was one of the leading collectors of Korean ancient art during the Japanese colonial period, possessing thousands of such artifacts. According to newspaper records, he participated in seven exhibitions, loaning some 32 works of calligraphy, paintings by 14 Korean artists, and the Joseon Dynasty Ceramics Collection Volume 15, which contained photographs and descriptions of his 15-piece celadon and blue-and-white porcelain collection. Although these are only a part of his overall collection, Seoktae Ham's outstanding knowledge and aesthetic sense of Korean antiquities can be sufficiently observed by his collection choices. This collection can be considered a national treasure as he was especially fascinated by the aesthetics of ancient items, particularly small items and art pieces of unusual shape. Seoktae Ham’s collection of ancient art pieces was chosen not for economic reasons, but for their immense cultural value.

Key Words: Dentist; Collection; Artifacts