Detail

An Jung-sik (1861–1919) was a master of calligraphy and painting who bridged the gap between the traditional art of the late Joseon Dynasty and the modern era. Known as one of the last members of the Dohwaseo (the Royal Bureau of Painting), he studied under Jang Seung-eop (1843–1897), a preeminent painter of the period. Together with Cho Seok-jin (1853–1920), he was regarded as a leading figure in the art circles of his time. From 1911, he served as a professor at the Association of Calligraphy and Painting (Seohwa Misulhoe), the first modern art education institution in Korea. In 1918, he founded the Seohwa Association and became its first president. As many of his students went on to lead the development of modern Korean art, he is also highly esteemed for his role as an art educator. Folding Screen with Four Gentlemen and Precious Plants in Gold, housed in the Museum of Sunchon National University, is a ten-panel folding screen created by An Jung-sik in 1901. The work features meticulously rendered plant forms in gold pigment on a black silk background. The gold pigment, made by mixing gold powder with animal glue, produces a refined and gentle sheen when it catches the light. In this piece, An Jun-gsik combined the Four Gentlemen—plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo—with additional plants such as magnolia, peony, banana plant, lotus, paulownia, and narcissus, carefully composing each panel of the screen. This stamp issue seeks to convey the distinctive, subtle radiance of gold pigment. Through the golden flowers and trees depicted on the stamp, we hope you can experience the brilliant spirit of Korea’s modern art.