Portrait of a Sixteenth-century Scholar in the Manner of a Monk’s Portrait
Portrait of Yi Hyeonbo
  • Attributed to Monk Okjunsangin
  • Joseon Dynasty, c. 1537
  • Ink and color on silk
  • Entrusted to The Korean Studies Institute by the Head House of Yi Nongam of the Yeongcheon Yi Clan
  • Treasure

Yi Hyeonbo (1467–1555) is recognized as a significant figure in the history of Korean literature for his vernacular poetry, which often celebrates a life of seclusion in nature. Among his extant works is Saengilga (生日歌, Birthday Ode), in which he expresses the serenity of his later years as a blessing bestowed by the king. In this portrait, Yi is depicted wearing a black hat (gat) instead of the official winged cap (samo), holding a fly whisk in his right hand and grasping a belt ornamented with rhinoceros horn (seodae) with his left. He is seated before a low table on which an inkstone case and books are arranged. The composition closely resembles portraits of high-ranking Buddhist monks, suggesting the influence of Buddhist painting conventions.