Neo-Confucianism , a philosophy blending Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Daoist ideas, deeply shaped Korean art during the Joseon Dynasty . It emphasized moral growth, nature's harmony , and scholarly pursuits, influencing artistic themes and styles.
This philosophy led to a rise in literati painting , featuring landscapes, scholarly activities, and symbolic motifs. Artists favored simplicity , restraint , and inner essence over outward appearances, reflecting Neo-Confucian values in their work.
Neo-Confucianism in Joseon Art
Core Principles and Artistic Influence
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Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 View original
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Top images from around the web for Core Principles and Artistic Influence Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 View original
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Reading: Neo-Confucianism and Fan Kuan’s Travelers by Streams and Mountains – Art Appreciation View original
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Korean Confucianism - Wikipedia View original
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Treasures from Korea: Arts and Culture of the Joseon Dynasty, 1392–1910 View original
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Reading: Neo-Confucianism and Fan Kuan’s Travelers by Streams and Mountains – Art Appreciation View original
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Neo-Confucianism synthesizes Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Daoist metaphysics emphasizing moral cultivation and investigation of things
Developed by Zhu Xi in Song Dynasty China
Influenced artistic representations of nature and human character
Li (principle) and qi (material force) form the metaphysical foundation of Neo-Confucianism
Shapes artistic depictions of natural phenomena and human qualities
"Sage within " concept promotes self-cultivation and moral perfection
Reflected in austere and contemplative nature of Joseon Dynasty art
Encourages introspection and spiritual growth through artistic practice
Five Relationships central to Neo-Confucian social order
Ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder-younger, friend-friend
Often depicted in genre paintings and ancestral portraits
Influences composition and subject matter in Joseon art
Neo-Confucian emphasis on education and scholarship led to rise of literati class
Literati became primary patrons and practitioners of art during Joseon Dynasty
Shaped artistic tastes and preferences
Aesthetic ideals of simplicity, restraint, and harmony influenced Joseon art
Favored understated elegance over ostentatious display
Manifested in minimalist compositions and subtle color palettes
"Painting the mind " (shimsanghwa) concept encouraged capturing essence of subjects
Prioritized inner qualities over mere outward appearances
Led to more abstract and symbolic representations in art
Symbolism and Motifs
Four Gentlemen (sagunja ) became iconic subjects in literati painting
Plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo
Each embodies specific Neo-Confucian virtues (resilience, purity, perseverance, integrity)
Landscape painting (sansukhwa ) evolved to reflect Neo-Confucian cosmology
Mountains and water symbolize dynamic interplay of yin and yang
Represents harmony of nature and universal principles
Ten symbols of longevity (sipjangsaeng ) reflect Neo-Confucian concepts
Includes sun, mountains, water, clouds, rocks, pine trees, turtles, cranes, deer, and mushrooms
Represents cosmic order and pursuit of moral perfection
"Confucian gentleman " (seonbi ) became recurring theme
Influences depictions of scholars, their activities, and material culture
Represents ideal of moral cultivation and scholarly pursuits
Neo-Confucianism & Korean Literati Painting
Development and Characteristics
Literati painting (muninhwa) emerged as distinct genre during Joseon Dynasty
Closely tied to Neo-Confucian emphasis on scholarly pursuits and moral cultivation
Practiced primarily by scholar-officials rather than professional artists
Landscape painting evolved to reflect Neo-Confucian worldview
Mountains and water symbolize harmony of nature and universal principles
Depicts ideal settings for scholarly retreat and contemplation
Integration of painting, calligraphy, and poetry (samjeol ) in single artwork
Exemplifies Neo-Confucian ideal of cultivated scholar
Demonstrates unity of the arts and holistic approach to artistic expression
Practice of adding calligraphy and personal seals to paintings
Reinforces Neo-Confucian ideal of scholar-artist
Adds layers of meaning and personal expression to artworks
"Painting with a bamboo brush" (jukhwa ) embodied moral integrity and resilience
Influenced both technique and subject matter
Emphasizes simplicity and directness in brushwork
Subjects and Themes
Scholarly pursuits and reclusion in nature frequently depicted
Reflects Neo-Confucian values of self-cultivation and detachment from worldly affairs
Includes scenes of reading, writing, and contemplation in natural settings
True-view landscape painting (jingyeong sansu ) developed in late Joseon period
Reflected Neo-Confucian emphasis on empirical observation
Depicted actual Korean landscapes rather than idealized Chinese-style scenes
Genre paintings (pungsokhwa ) depict everyday life and social interactions
Reflects Neo-Confucian ideals of social harmony and proper conduct
Provides insight into Joseon society and cultural practices
Ancestral portrait paintings (yeongjeong ) proliferated
Reflects Neo-Confucian emphasis on filial piety and ancestor veneration
Developed specific artistic conventions for creation and display
Neo-Confucianism's Impact on Joseon Art
Aesthetic Preferences and Techniques
Restrained and minimalist style favored in Neo-Confucian aesthetics
Often employs monochrome ink (sumukhwa ) or limited color palettes
Conveys depth and spiritual essence through simplicity
Emphasis on capturing inner qualities and essence of subjects
Led to more abstract and symbolic representations in art
Prioritizes spiritual and philosophical content over realistic depiction
Integration of various art forms encouraged
Painting, calligraphy, and poetry often combined in single artwork
Reflects Neo-Confucian ideal of holistic cultivation
Shift in ceramic production towards simplicity and elegance
Favored simple, elegant forms and subtle glazes
Reflected values of restraint and inner beauty
Examples include white porcelain (baekja ) and buncheong ware
Social and Cultural Influence
Rise of literati class as primary patrons and practitioners of art
Shaped artistic tastes and preferences during Joseon Dynasty
Led to emphasis on scholarly themes and techniques
Neo-Confucian social order reflected in artistic subjects
Five Relationships depicted in genre paintings and portraits
Hierarchical compositions reflect social structures
Emphasis on moral cultivation and self-improvement
Influenced choice of subjects and symbolic motifs
Encouraged introspective and contemplative approach to art-making
Integration of art with daily life and scholarly pursuits
Paintings and calligraphy used for meditation and self-cultivation
Artistic practice seen as extension of moral and intellectual development