Lotus

Currently not on view

Lotus

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Buddhists have long considered the lotus a symbol of purity because its beautiful and fragrant blossoms grow from a muddy pond. The flower’s popularity and iconographic emphasis increased greatly with the expansion of Buddhism during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), and under Confucian rule in the Joseon dynasty that followed the lotus came to represent the upright and faithful scholar. This new meaning was based on Chinese wordplay—lotus (lian) and uprightness (lian) are homonyms. Joseon scholars who wished to cultivate virtue commonly installed lotus ponds in their gardens or placed lotus screen paintings like this one in their studies.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Lotus

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Medium:

Ink and color on paper; mounted as a ten-fold screen

Dimensions:

Overall: 66 inches (167.6 cm) Each Panel: 66 × 13 1/2 inches (167.6 × 34.3 cm) Image: 34 1/2 × 13 1/2 inches (87.6 × 34.3 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Purchased with funds contributed by members of the East Asian Art Committee and the Henry B. Keep Fund, 2011

Accession Number:

2011-48-1

Geography:

Made in Korea, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)

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Currently not on view