General Choe Yeong (1316–1388) and Japanese naval officer
All classes of people in Korea consulted shamans for protection, healing, and divination. This shaman painting is interesting due to its pro-Japanese sentiment. Two centrally aligned figures dominate the composition. From the distinctive iconography of its fish-scale armor, winged helmet, spear, and trident, the figure on the top is likely Choe Yeong, a heroic general of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) known for thwarting rebellions. Shamans deified General Choe as a protector of military men. In this painting, Choe is being evoked to guard the Japanese naval officer who is directly below him. The image was likely made for a Japanese officer stationed in Korea during the colonial period between 1910 and 1945.
Artwork Details
- 작자미상 무신도
- 作者未詳 巫神圖
- Title: General Choe Yeong (1316–1388) and Japanese naval officer
- Artist: Unidentified artist , Korean
- Date: Early 20th century
- Culture: Korea
- Medium: Ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: Frame: H. 40 5/8 in (103.2 cm); W. 30 3/4 in. (78.1 cm); D. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of the children of Lea R. Sneider, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.89.4
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
18th–19th century
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