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Egret and Reeds

백로도 (白鷺圖)

late 1800s
(Korean, 1843–1919?)
Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
hanging scroll; ink on paper
Overall: 196 x 61 cm (77 3/16 x 24 in.)
Gift from the Collection of George Gund III 2015.509
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

Yang Ki-hun was one of the most commercially successful painters known for decorative bird-and-flower subjects.

Description

In this hanging scroll, an egret walks along the shores of a salt marsh where reeds abundantly grow. Native to Pyongyang, the artist Yang Ki-hun had no rival in bird-and-flower themes. The Taedong River estuary, one of Pyongyang’s beloved natural sites, may have been Yang’s favorite spot to observe and sketch various water birds.

Yang treated his subjects of flora and fauna with an observant naturalist’s view, yet his choice of subjects—an egret and reeds—is deeply rooted in traditional symbolic language: the egret stands for the scholarly reclusive life, while reeds indicate humility and modesty.
Egret and Reeds

Egret and Reeds

late 1800s

Yang Ki-hun (Seuk-Eun)

(Korean, 1843–1919?)
Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

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