Paintings on the Celebration of the Crown Prince’s Birth on Ten-panel Folding Screen

This folding screen was produced in 1874, the 11th year of King Gojong’s reign, with a painting of the royal rites to celebrate the birth of King Gojong’s second son, later Emperor Sunjong. The first and last panels of the screen list the names and ranks of the officials in charge of the ceremony and the second to ninth panels depict a ceremonial scene at Injeongjeon Hall, Hall of Benevolent Governance in Changdeokgung Palace (Palace of Illustrious Virtue). A birds-eye view and parallel composition were used, and the pillars and walls of the hall are depicted to be high, so indoor scenes could be displayed better. The features of the attendees and various goods were painted with vivid colors. The lists show that this folding screen was made by officials from the Delivery Room Office which was established when King Sunjong was born.