A KOREAN TEN-FOLD HWAJO (BIRDS AND FLOWERS) SCREEN

A KOREAN TEN-FOLD HWAJO (BIRDS AND FLOWERS) SCREEN
JOSEON DYNASTY AND LATER, 19TH/20TH CENTURY

In minhwa (folk) style, each panel painted in ink and colour on paper, with stylised birds and other animals depicted in vivid colours on the buff ground, each panel with calligraphy, signed by various artists including Yi Dong-Myeong, 183.5cm x 445cm.

Provenance: a private English collection, acquired in Seoul in the 1960s.

Birds and flowers were the most common and popular subjects in minhwa paintings due to their brilliant colours. Birds are usually depicted as a male and female pair, which symbolizes conjugal harmony and a peaceful home.