Detail

`In order to publicize the outstanding paintings of Korea, both at home and abroad, the Ministry of Communications has selected nine items of painting of the Yi Dynasty(1392-1910) preserved at the National Meseum, for issuance of postage stamps bearing these paintings on three occasions. The first set of three kinds of stamps, each with one of these paintings on it, has already been issued. The second set of another three postage stamps to be released this time bears the following three paintings respectively. 1. Picture of Fierce Tiger The size of this painting by Shim, Sa-jung(1707-1769), a prominent member of the painting circles of his time, who is also known by his pen name Hyunjae, is 96.1cm in height and 57.3cm wide. Renowned for his painting of scenic mountains and brooks the author also produced excellent works of flowers, wild animals, birds and plants. Famous pictures painted by him include the one depicting a dragon flying in the sea of clouds, the one showing a summer scenery of mountains and streams and others. 2. Picture of Cat and Sparrows One of the masterpieces by Pyun, Sang-byuk(early in the 18th century), alias Hwajae, this painting is 94.7cm high and 43.2cm wide. The author, who served the government as a local administration chief, was called a master hand for his drawing of portraits and was good particularly in painting cats and domestic fowls. Prominent pieces by him include the one of hens and cocks and the portrait of Yun Pa. 3. Picture of Dogs This picture, drawn by Yi Am(1499-?) in the early days of the Yi Dynasty, is 73.2cm long and 42.4cm wide. A member of the royal family, he was especially good in the art of drawing birds, plants and flowers, and is worthy of being considered one of the best painters of his time. The outstanding works of his include a picture of birds perched on an old tree, and the one of birds and dogs flirting around flowers, which is now presented in Japan.`