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Exhibitions offer glimpse into two very different lives of Joseon
A collection of still and genre paintings show differences between the lives of the rich and poor during the Joseon era
마상청앵: “Hearing a Birdsong on Horseback” by Kim Hong-do (Kansong Art and Culture Foundation) |
Seoul Arts Center’s Calligraphy Museum has brought together a rare collection of still life paintings from the Joseon era, depicting stacks of books with decorative luxury items, which were popular among royals and aristocrats. In contrast, the exhibition also features paintings of Chinese characters that wealthy commoners hung in their homes to emulate the upper class‘ cultural tastes.
A total of 58 still life paintings of books and paintings of Chinese characters, dating from the 18th century to the early 20th century, are on display in a two-part exhibition at the refurbished Calligraphy Museum until Aug. 28.
책가도: “Chaekgeori, Scholar’s Accoutrements,” 19th century (The National Museum of Korea) |
Introduced from China, these still life paintings feature exotic and precious gods such as eye glasses, fruits such as watermelon and peach, luxurious furniture pieces, stationary items and ceramics that were imported from the Qing Dynasty in China or European countries.
“The isolated Joseon started to have trade exchanges with China in the latter part of 18th century. Aristocrats preferred to use tableware and furniture that were made in China. This lifestyle was criticized by the King Jeongjo,” wrote Chung Byung-mo, professor of Gyeongju University, in an essay about the painting.
“Feral Cat Steals a Chick” by Kim Deuk-sin (Kansong Art and Culture Foundation) |
“He was very fond of the paintings of books, and that’s how it became popular among upper-class scholars and government officials,” wrote Chung.
The still paintings of books eventually spread to wealthy commoners, who regarded them as signs of their success in business.
The still paintings of books widely enjoyed by commoners differed in style from the court still paintings. They featured animals like dragons and birds that, for commoners, symbolized happiness.
미인도: “Portrait of a Beauty” by Shin Yun-bok (Kansong Art and Culture Foundation) |
While Joseon’s still paintings offer a glimpse into the cultural tastes of people of Joseon and shifts in social classes, the genre paintings on view at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza deliver honest depictions of the lives of commoners and scholars of Joseon with a humorous touch.
The genre painting showcase is the last in the series of exhibitions of Joseon paintings held by Kansong Art and Culture Foundation. Starting last year, the foundation has shown paintings of landscapes, plants and animals at the DDP.
“The genre paintings are particularly loved by audiences because they are realistic and vivid depictions of the lives of ordinary people of Joseon,” said Kim Ju-hee of the foundation.
호피장막도: “Scholar’s Accoutrements in a Leopard Skin,” 19th century (Leeum) |
Humor was an important part of genre paintings. Painter Kim Deuk-sin captured a scene in which a cat snatching a chick startles the hen next to it and makes her desperately chase the cat. The sudden hassle prompts the husband and wife working inside the house to stop their work and rush out to catch the cat.
The exhibition “Korea Genre and Figure Paintings” runs until Aug. 28 at the DDP.
By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)