Genre Paintings

Pungsokhwa or genre paintings refers to illustrations of everyday life and, from the eighteenth century onwards, they become popular and esteemed for their candid representations of Joseon society (1392–1910) and are considered by many as among the most “Korean” of all Korean art forms. Pungsokhwa existed in Korea prior to the eighteenth century, but those works were generally idealized images of yangban (literati; ruling elite) life. In the eighteenth century, the subject matter shifted away from the yangban to the commoner. Interestingly, literati artists from the upper class were the first to bring attention to the activities of the non-elite, providing the catalyst for this shift.

These paintings would have been part of a larger album depicting gisaeng (courtesans). Wearing billowing skirts, the gisaeng have their signature voluminous braided hairstyle depicted with fine lines and careful shading. The four paintings portray gisaeng wearing garima hats, at a meal, outdoors, and with gentlemen.