Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink painting. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This small album leaf, executed in ink and color on silk, depicts a Korean scene populated by several men.
About this work
Overview
This small album leaf, executed in ink and color on silk, depicts a Korean scene populated by several men. The work belongs to the tradition of 17th‑century Korean miniature painting, where silk served as a favored support for portable, highly detailed compositions.
Subject & Meaning
The figures are shown in contemporary attire, each holding distinct objects that suggest everyday activities or social roles. The careful rendering of clothing folds and accessories provides insight into the material culture of the period.
Technique & Style
Ink outlines are combined with delicate washes of color, a hallmark of Korean silk painting of the era. The artist employs fine brushwork to achieve intricate detail while maintaining a light, translucent quality characteristic of silk as a substrate.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1600s, the leaf reflects the album format popular among Korean scholars and collectors for personal enjoyment and study. It now forms part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued among other East Asian works on paper and silk.
Context
During the Joseon dynasty, album leaves served both decorative and documentary functions, often illustrating customs, costumes, and daily life. This piece aligns with that tradition, offering a visual record of Korean male dress and social interaction in the early modern period.
Artist & collection
