Korean Joseon Period Four-Panel Folding Screen With Tiger Hunt and Calligraphy,

Details

Description

Description

A finely executed four-panel folding screen from the Joseon Dynasty, dating to the 19th century, depicting a dynamic tiger … Read more Description

A finely executed four-panel folding screen from the Joseon Dynasty, dating to the 19th century, depicting a dynamic tiger hunting scene set within a mountainous landscape.

Rendered in ink and color on paper, the composition unfolds across the panels with mounted riders in pursuit of tigers, captured in expressive brushwork and animated movement. The layered mountain forms and subtle ink tonalities create a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the figures—accented with restrained yet vibrant pigments—bring narrative energy and visual rhythm to the scene.

The painting bears a red artist’s seal and signature at the lower corner, a traditional mark of authorship that enhances its authenticity and artistic character.

The reverse of the screen is fully finished with expressive calligraphy executed in a flowing cursive hand, consistent with literati traditions of the period. Such dual-sided construction—painting on one side and calligraphy on the other—is characteristic of higher-quality folding screens intended for both aesthetic display and scholarly reflection.

The inscription appears to be composed primarily in classical Chinese (Hanja), arranged in vertical columns read from right to left. The content reflects traditional philosophical and poetic themes associated with Joseon intellectual culture, including contemplation of nature, human experience, and the pursuit of perspective. The brushwork is confident and varied, with natural modulation of ink and line that suggests a practiced and expressive hand.

Constructed in the traditional manner, with painted paper mounted over a wooden frame, the screen retains a warm, time-softened patina consistent with age. Its compact and highly versatile scale distinguishes it from larger examples, making it especially well-suited for modern interiors—whether displayed on a console, used as a tabletop screen, or mounted as a striking wall composition.

Elegant, sculptural, and culturally resonant, this piece embodies the enduring appeal of Joseon-period narrative painting, combining historical depth with strong decorative presence.

Details

Korea, 19th century

Joseon period

Ink and color on paper

Signed and sealed (lower corner)

Calligraphy on reverse (two panels)

Four-panel folding screen (byeongpung)

Height: 36 in.

Width: 54 in. (extended)

Condition

Good antique condition overall, with age-appropriate wear. Toning to the paper, minor surface irregularities, and light wear consistent with age and use. Colors remain clear and well-preserved. Structurally stable and display-ready.

Provenance

Private collection, United States.

Collector’s Note

Narrative hunting scenes featuring tigers hold a distinctive place in Korean visual culture, symbolizing vitality, authority, and cultivated pursuits. Examples that combine figural painting with calligraphy—particularly in a manageable, interior-friendly scale—are increasingly sought after by collectors and interior designers. See less