Monday, 25 May 2026
“Ham” exhibition celebrates Egypt-Korea friendship
There are threads of connection that quietly weave across centuries and continents—stories held by paper, by artistry, by ritual, and by trust. These gentle ties are now illuminated at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, where the new exhibition, “Ham: What We Hold Together,” is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 28.
This occasion is not only an artistic celebration but also honors thirty years of formal diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea, a friendship rooted in respect and blossoming through shared culture.
Papyrus and Hanji: Papers of Identity
The journey begins at the entrance, where visitors are welcomed by two storied materials, Papyrus and Hanji. Papyrus, Egypt’s ancient instrument of history, meets Hanji, Korea’s revered “thousand-year paper.” While each paper is distinct in its origins and traditions, both are powerful symbols of national heritage.
A stunning installation made with Egyptian papyrus pays tribute to a rich artistic legacy. Nearby shines a rare artifact: the Iminjinyeondobyeong, a beautifully preserved folding-screen painting from Korea’s Joseon dynasty, created in 1902 for royal ceremonies and painted on hanji. Its gentle colors and intricate brushwork invite visitors to appreciate Korea’s elegant artistic tradition.
Ham of Ceremony: Boxes Full of Meaning
At the heart of the exhibition is “Calmness,” a contemporary work marking the inauguration of Korean-Egyptian diplomatic relations in 1995. This centerpiece is surrounded by an array of ceremonial Ham boxes—carefully crafted by Korean artisans who have been recognized as masters for preserving intangible cultural heritage. Each Ham is much more than a container; it is a vessel of trust, courtesy, and a symbol of the bonds that bring people together.
In Korean tradition, Ham boxes play a central role at significant moments, carrying gifts and intentions between families. In this exhibition, the Ham becomes a symbol of what two countries hold together—an invitation to reflect on empathy, goodwill, and partnership.
Ham of Records: Diplomatic Reflections
On display also records, artifacts, and gifts exchanged between officials tell a story of persistent dialogue and collaboration. Every letter and keepsake on display offers a quiet testament to the growing trust and partnership between Egypt and Korea.
Among the treasures are the Records of the Court Banquet of 1902 (Imjinjinyeon Uigwe) and the ten-panel folding screen (Imjinjinyeon Dopyeong). The Uigwe, recognized by UNESCO as a Memory of the World, documents the details of a royal banquet for King Gojong. The careful records reveal the beauty and complexity of Joseon dynasty court ritual, from attire to music and guest lists.
The Cairo Declaration: A Beacon of Hope
For Koreans, Cairo itself holds a special meaning. In the final days of the Second World War, the Cairo Declaration of 1943—announced by the U.S., U.K., and China—became the first international statement to promise independence for Korea. That moment, shaped in Egypt’s capital, has been cherished as a symbol of hope ever since.
Journey of Friendship and Promise
Since Egypt and Korea established diplomatic relations in 1995, they have grown ever closer, forging partnerships in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Egypt’s embrace of openness in the 1970s quietly paved the way for this friendship, with April 1995 marking a new chapter.
The exhibition also displays heartfelt diplomatic gifts exchanged over the years. A graceful crystal model of a solar barque—offered to commemorate President Moon Jae-in’s 2022 visit to Egypt—stands alongside Oh Wangtaek’s grape-pattern document box (2024), a luminous blend of mother-of-pearl, lacquer, and hemp. Each piece is a gentle reminder of the warmth, care, and vision shared by both countries.