Scholar's accouterments (Chaekgori)

The Chinese-style books on screens of this type are usually depicted closed, stacked in sets wrapped in slipcases. Joseon-dynasty scholars sat on thin cushions on the floor and worked at small, portable desks. Chaekgori is a Confucian theme, directly related to the scholarly aspiration of the landed gentry, the scholar-officials of the Joseon-dynasty government. Bookstack screens also were popular in the homes of commoners, where they symbolized the Confucian ideals of education and self-improvement.