Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Royal banquets (in the cyclical year gichuk)
Not on view
A visual record of major royal ceremonies, this painting illustrates two significant celebrations that occurred in the second and sixth months of 1829: King Sunjo’s (r. 1800–1834) thirtieth anniversary of ascension to the throne and his fortieth birthday. Crown Prince Hyomyeong (1809–1830) hosted the events, which took place at two different halls at Changgyeong Palace.
The anniversary commemoration is portrayed in the right half of the screen. The vast array of people—including court officials, soldiers, and musicians—aligned in precise, symmetrical configurations provides an impressive display of the formality of royal ceremony. The birthday fete is depicted on the left half; as focal points, the dancers provide a more fluid and lively composition. The far right and far left panels document, respectively, the exchanges between the crown prince and court officials following the banquet and the names of twelve high-ranking participants.
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This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
