Han Sigak

SOUTH KOREA, North Chungcheong, Cheongju; Joseon dynasty

Also known as Jayu or Seoltan, Han Sigak was a painter and art educator born in Korea. He went to Japan in 1655, and in addition to working as an artist, he learned the technique of painting in ink. After returning to Korea, he utilized what he had learned and illustrated a series of local scenes. The well-known portrait of the famous Joseon scholar, Song Siyeol, painted in 1682 during the rule of King Sukjong (reigned 1675–1720) of the Joseon dynasty is believed to be a copy of his original work. His figurative illustrations and architectural renderings are extremely precise, exhibiting his immense skill in depiction.
The figure and landscape paintings Han created over the years are considered outstanding works of art. He was renowned, alongside Kim Myeongkuk, for his Seon school paintings.
His image of Budai, among others, was popular in Japan. Han’s famous illustration entitled Special National Examination for Applicants from Northeastern Provinces was completed in the latter half of the 17th century and is now kept at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. The bird’s eye view composition condenses two different scenes into one painting.