Lee Gwangsa

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Jeonju; Joseon dynasty

Lee Gwangsa was a painter, scholar, and calligrapher who was also known as Dongguk or Wongyo. Although he lived most of his life in exile due to a family quarrel with the government, his body of work is impressive. He produced several written publications which include Poem Collection of Dongguk, Compilation of Wongyo Manuscripts, and Secrets of Wongyo Calligraphy.
A gifted calligrapher, Lee was proficient across all styles, and in particular, his regular, cursive, running, and clerical scripts were exceptional. He gradually developed his own distinct style of calligraphy called Wongyoche, which deeply influenced future generations of Korean calligraphers. His paintings are mostly famous for landscapes, figures, and insects. Lee followed the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) court style for his portraits, and the newly introduced Wu style of the Southern school for his landscapes. His paintings exude a scholarly charm, appearing simple and aloof. Examples of his paintings include Eminent Monk Admiring a Painting and Landscape. Lee’s calligraphic works include Stele of Chief State Councilor Lee Kyongseok and Record of Third State Councilor Jung Wooryang.