Orchids and Rocks1897–98 · Study 2015.138

Context from the museum

Yi Ha-eung (1820−1898), the artist of this eight-panel folding screen, was one of the most influential men in late 19th-century Korea. Acting as the regent for his son, King Gojong (1852−1919), who ascended the throne at the age of thirteen, Yi ruled Korea from 1866 to 1873. In addition to his illustrious political career, Yi was also recognized as one of the most celebrated artists who led the revival of literati art in late 19th-century Korean art. In particular, he was recognized as the master of orchids, one of the “Four Gentlemen” (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo) themes. Solely relying on monochrome ink, Yi depicted the curvilinear silhouettes of cymbidium orchid leaves dramatically hanging down from cliffs. Growing in wilderness and redolent with fragrance, orchids were often associated with the perseverance of principled gentlemen, and thus became one of the most popular subjects of scholar-artists' paintings.On the upper right corner of the far left panel, Yi wrote a short inscription stating that he painted the work at the age of 80.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The artist of this elegant painting is the formidable politician Yi Ha-eung (1820–1898), who is known for a seclusion policy that aimed to protect Korea and its sovereignty from foreign influences.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting only measurement for Orchids and Rocks is 32.8 cm wide and 107.9 cm high, equivalent to approximately 12.9 × 42.5 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.30:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.35 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 10.9% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 133.6 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Orchids and Rocks in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Eight-panel folding screen; ink on silk, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 32.8 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?