Korean Four Panel Screen of Hunting Scene Joseon Dynasty

Description

A Korean four-panel folding screen circa 1830s, from the late Joseon Dynasty. The painting depicts a vivid hunting scene on … more A Korean four-panel folding screen circa 1830s, from the late Joseon Dynasty. The painting depicts a vivid hunting scene on four vertical scroll panels mounted with brocade borders. The four panels are related to each other in narrative but not in an absolutely continuous fashion, therefore they could be viewed individually and independently, which was not uncommon in the screen paintings as they are meant to be folded and unfolded as needed. The pictures show a general on the far left panel seated on a low platform bed under a large umbrella, overseeing the hunting unfurling in front of him. There are jars and other official trappings around him as well as servants, including one that is making a fire for cooking. Armed militants, paired and on horseback, are chasing and hunting deer, antelopes, wild boars, and tigers. On the far right panel, a cart of hunting trophies were pushed toward the general for presentation. The militants are dressed in Mongol-style outfit, which is commonly found in Korean paintings with hunting scene. Mongols extended their power to the Korean peninsula in the 13th and 14th century and their martial skills and horsemanship had remained fascinating for Koreans when the unpleasant memory of the war receded.
Folding floor screen was used in Korea, like in Japan for very practical reason. As floor-sitting people, screens were used to create flexible space and were quite portable. It is possible originally there were more associated panels as remounting the screen due to damages or partial losses was a common practice.
This current screen formerly belong to the collection of Nieman Marcus and it was imported in 1964 from Japan. A certificate from Japan Antique and Art Export Association dated it to 1830s. It can be displayed on the wall like a painting or as a folding screen on the floor. It measures 42.75" h x 49.75" w fully unfolded.
To compare with a similar screen with hunting scene, see item FE. 22-1991 in the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum. less