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SEOUL, June 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean beauty and cosmetics giant Amorepacific said Tuesday that a restored version of a Joseon-era royal craft known as "banhwa," sponsored by its beauty brand Sulwhasoo, will be unveiled in South Korea for the first time at a special exhibition marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France.

Banhwa, which literally means "flowers on a tray," is a royal floral craftwork resembling a decorative bonsai arrangement. In 1886, King Gojong presented it as a diplomatic gift to French President Sadi Carnot to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic ties between Joseon and France.

The original artifact is currently housed at the Musee Guimet in France.

Sulwhasoo supported the restoration project under an agreement signed in 2024 with the Korea Heritage Service's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center and the National Palace Museum of Korea for the preservation and utilization of royal cultural heritage.

▲ Restored Joseon royal craft 'banhwa," sponsored and photographed by Sulwhasoo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

The replica was recreated using traditional techniques by Kim Young-hee, a holder of the state-designated intangible cultural heritage title for traditional jade craftsmanship.

The restored works were donated to the National Palace Museum of Korea and the Deoksugung Palace Management Office.

Beginning Wednesday, they will be displayed to the public through the National Palace Museum of Korea's special exhibition, "Gifts and Records: 140 Years of Friendship Between Korea and France," and the Deoksugung exhibition, "Banhwa, An Auspicious Heart."

A Sulwhasoo official said the restoration and first public unveiling in Korea represent a meaningful effort to revive the beauty and historical value of Joseon royal cultural heritage in a contemporary context.

The official added that the company will continue supporting initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving the value of traditional Korean culture.

jwc@yna.co.kr

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