Lot Essay
This screen is notable not only for its rare subject, but for its abundance of charming genre details. The earliest known version of this subject is a screen in the National Museum of Korea attributed to Kim Hongdo (b. 1745) (see Evelyn McCune, The Inner Art: Korean Screens [Berkeley and Seoul: Asia Humanities Press and Po Chin Chai Co., 1983.], figs. 43-49). Kim Hongdo illustrated eight events in the life of Hong Hyon-bo, a prime minister who passed his government exam in 1718, during the reign of King Yong-jo.
The first event, on the far right panel, is the first birthday celebration, an important occasion for a family. The young boy wearing a striped jacket, is the center of attention. A table with objects representing different occupations is placed in front of him (books, weapons, etc.); the one he picks up is supposed to indicate his future profession. Seated around the boy are his mother and father, his wet nurse, and a gentleman guest. Servants and animals appear in the courtyard.
The second event is the wedding procession. The groom rides on a white horse, a ceremonial paper umbrella carried over his head. The bride follows him, also mounted, and with her head covered by a cloak.
The third event shows the young man winning first place in the national civil examination, a high honor. Thousands of candidates applied for the higher civil service exam, and only a handful of finalists were selected. Three men walking across the bridge are holding their certificates. Among the spectators on the far side of the bridge is a candy vendor. A procession of musicians and dancers precede the young scholar, who rides a white horse. A spray of cinnamon blossoms in his cap proclaims his status as the first-place winner.
The fourth event in the life of this scholar is his appointment as magistrate, a position of middle rank. He approaches his new post mounted on horseback and accompanied by several government officials.
The fifth event is the journey to discharge the duties of a special mission. Rising to a higher rank in government service required serving during a national emergency. Here the scholar is carried on campaign over a mountain pass in a large palanquin, attended by civil and military officials.
The sixth event is promotion to Second Rank, a position so difficult to attain that it required one to have given extraordinary service or to have several ancestors who had reached the same rank. At this level the official was entitled to a sedan chair raised to shoulder height, supported by a single wheel and five men. A variety of officers are in attendance.
The seventh event is retirement after serving as Chief Counsellor, a position of the First Rank. A large fan is held over the head of the high-ranking minister, who is entitled to six bearers and a large retinue. A long retirement was considered a great blessing.
The eighth event is the sixtieth wedding anniversary, an auspicious occasion for a family reunion. Husband and wife share the honors.
The first event, on the far right panel, is the first birthday celebration, an important occasion for a family. The young boy wearing a striped jacket, is the center of attention. A table with objects representing different occupations is placed in front of him (books, weapons, etc.); the one he picks up is supposed to indicate his future profession. Seated around the boy are his mother and father, his wet nurse, and a gentleman guest. Servants and animals appear in the courtyard.
The second event is the wedding procession. The groom rides on a white horse, a ceremonial paper umbrella carried over his head. The bride follows him, also mounted, and with her head covered by a cloak.
The third event shows the young man winning first place in the national civil examination, a high honor. Thousands of candidates applied for the higher civil service exam, and only a handful of finalists were selected. Three men walking across the bridge are holding their certificates. Among the spectators on the far side of the bridge is a candy vendor. A procession of musicians and dancers precede the young scholar, who rides a white horse. A spray of cinnamon blossoms in his cap proclaims his status as the first-place winner.
The fourth event in the life of this scholar is his appointment as magistrate, a position of middle rank. He approaches his new post mounted on horseback and accompanied by several government officials.
The fifth event is the journey to discharge the duties of a special mission. Rising to a higher rank in government service required serving during a national emergency. Here the scholar is carried on campaign over a mountain pass in a large palanquin, attended by civil and military officials.
The sixth event is promotion to Second Rank, a position so difficult to attain that it required one to have given extraordinary service or to have several ancestors who had reached the same rank. At this level the official was entitled to a sedan chair raised to shoulder height, supported by a single wheel and five men. A variety of officers are in attendance.
The seventh event is retirement after serving as Chief Counsellor, a position of the First Rank. A large fan is held over the head of the high-ranking minister, who is entitled to six bearers and a large retinue. A long retirement was considered a great blessing.
The eighth event is the sixtieth wedding anniversary, an auspicious occasion for a family reunion. Husband and wife share the honors.