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Genre Paintings of Women: Woman by a Lotus Pond

Typical of Sin Yun-bok’s   (ca. 1758–after 1813) genre paintings is this depiction of a kisaeng, or courtesan, enjoying a quiet rest from practice on a reed instrument (saenghwang) as she smokes a long tobacco pipe. Her sprawled knees and careless hairdo create an effect of voyeurism that enhances the eroticism of the lush garden filled with lotus flowers. The plant’s large leaves and blossoms provide a perfect vehicle for the sensual air and subtle colors of Sin Yun-bok’s limpid, exquisitely detailed painting style. 

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