Decorative Paintings of the Royal Court

Late 19th century – Early 20th century 
The screen comprises of the subjects symbolic of the king's virtue and power such as the sun, moon, mountain peaks, water, and pine trees. As the main backdrop of Joseon kings, such images also represent the prosperity of the royal household.

Late 19^th century – Early 20^th century
At state-sponsored celebratory events, screen paintings of peonies and the ten longevity symbols were frequently set up to display the splendor and dignity of the royal court. Instead of being depicted realistically, the paintings of peonies displayed at court had exaggerated large blossoms painted in bright colors arranged schematically along the vertical picture plane. Being symbols of peace and prosperity, they were frequently used in solemn state rites such as the auspicious ceremonies.

Late 19^th century – Early 20^th century
The screen of Ten Longevity Symbols was also frequently displayed in the royal palaces. The ten longevity symbols consist of any ten of the sun, mountains, water, clouds, rocks, pine trees, tortoises, deer, cranes, bamboo, herbs of eternal youth, and peaches.  Bearing wishes for long and healthy lives of the royal family, the screens were placed behind the queen or the crown prince  uring palace banquets such as the wedding or the sixtieth birthday of a royal.

Late 19th century - Early 20th century 
In addition to screens, there were diverse formats of paintings in the palaces. The sliding doors between rooms were often decorated with auspicious symbols of the sun, moon, and five peaks, and the ten longevity symbols.

Late 19^th century – Early 20^th century
Screen paintings of bookshelves expressing the high esteem on scholarship were placed close to the king and the crown prince. Screen paintings of bookshelves form part of the still-life genre which also includes depictions of precious items such as stationary, flowers, fruits, vegetables and antique bronze vessels.

Late 19^th century – Early 20^th century
Among the folding screens on the theme of books and scholar’s accouterments were also those created in small scale to be placed behind a seat.

Late 19^th century – Early 20^th century
This screen illustrates books and other scholarly items, including scrolls and brush holders, behind the curtains, all of which symbolize  learning and appointment to a government post. It also depicts a wide variety of flowers and fruit to represent fecundity, wealth, fidelity, the Buddha, or the Daoist immortals.

Korean Empire, 1905 
The Chinese characters for “no(蘆)” reeds and “an(雁)” geese sound similar to the characters for “no(老)” old age and “an(安)” wellbeing, and thus have the meaning of “happiness and health in old age”.

The interior walls of the Joseon royal palaces were decorated with large-scale mural paintings produced by some of the greatest painters of the time.