Monk

KOREA; Joseon dynasty

The Joseon dynasty rulers of the 18th century favored Confucianism and suppressed Buddhist institutions and religious practices in a populace where Buddhist values were deeply instilled. It was a Korean tradition to commission portraits of illustrious monks and temple founders and, despite the persecution, images such as this one were still produced.
The monk, dressed in a green and red monastic robe, is seated behind a low desk. He has bright eyes and faint facial hair. An ornate whisk decorated with a dragon’s head is held in the left hand, while the right hand turns the page of a book that rests on the table. Beside the book, there is a wooden writing box containing a brush, water dropper, ink stone, and ink stick. An inscription in the upper right corner identifies the monk as Chan Master Jinbeop of Yeongwol Temple.