Porsche Korea is conducting a project titled ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Prince Heinrich’ to recreate three gifts from Emperor Gojong, which are housed at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg, Germany, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.
This project is a second new initiative following the cultural education program ‘Dream Classroom on the Road’, which is part of Porsche’s intangible cultural heritage succession support project ‘Porsche Future Heritage’, launched last year to create a sustainable environment for preserving cultural heritage.
In this project, three artifacts, including armor, a helmet, and a breastplate among over 40 crafts gifted to Prince Heinrich von Preußen, the first state guest of the Korean Empire, will be recreated, reflecting the will of the independent nation. Through this, Porsche aims to create environments for the succession of vulnerable intangible cultural assets, which are at risk of being discontinued due to decreased demand resulting from changes in lifestyles—such as the decline in the number of traditional craftspersons like the mounter and the textile craftsman—and to provide new challenges that enhance craft skills.
A total of 10 intangible cultural asset holders will participate in recreating these crafts, which are set to be exhibited at the National Palace Museum of Korea to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany.
Holger Geumann, CEO of Porsche Korea, stated, “This ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Prince Heinrich’ project is a special initiative planned in recognition of the historical significance and value reflected in the diplomatic gifts of both countries, as a brand rooted in tradition and innovation, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.” He expressed hope that it would contribute to the succession of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage and allow many people to enjoy the cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Porsche Korea has donated a total of 374 million won for creating a sustainable environment for the preservation and succession of cultural heritage. In addition to ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Heinrich’, it is contributing to the spread of traditional Korean culture through the ‘Dream Classroom on the Road’. Since May last year, over 1,200 youths have participated.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr