Orchid and Rock

Yi Haung was the father of King Kojong (1852-1919) and a renowned statesman, painter and calligrapher. He specialized in paintings of orchids and rocks, generally arranged in groups with long, slender and pointed leaves. His courtesy name was Sibaek, and his sobriquets were Sokpa, Haedong-gosa, and Nosok-doin. Orchid paintings by his contemporaries, notably Kim Ung-won (1855-1921), are often based on Yi's compositions. For other examples of Yi's work, see Hanguk guendaehyewhabeckryun (1850-1950) Korean Painting (1850-1950s) (Seoul: The National Museum of Korea, 1987), pl.17; and The Fragrance of Ink: Korean Literati paintings of the Choson Dynasty (1392-1910) from Korea University Museum, exh. cat.(Seoul: Korean Studies Institute, Korea University, 1996), pl. 47.