Peonies

This painting consists of several panels filled with peony stems with beautiful flower buds. Similar patterns are repeated on each panel and the decorative character is strongly expressed. The peony room screens at the National Palace Museum of Korea come in four-, six- and eight-panel versions, some of which are large and more than three meters high. There are two types: one that depicts only the peony stems and one that depicts a rock on the ground from which the peony stems grow.

Although some details use slightly different painting styles, the overall composition is vertical and the painting style is flat and schematic. Because of its large and beautiful shape, the peony is recognized as a symbol of wealth and honor, and is also called "Hwawang (花王)," meaning the king of flowers. Within the royal family, large folding screens were made with peony paintings that went beyond the original symbolic meaning of wealth and honor and symbolized national peace and prosperity for the people, and a prosperous era of peace and prosperity.

They were used in important ceremonies. Chamber screens with peonies were used not only on joyous occasions such as weddings, but also on tragic events such as state funerals, various ceremonies at the royal shrine Jongmyo and the embedding of the king's portrait in Jinjeon