Hwawon

Hwawon(In Hangul:화원, in Hanja:畵員) is the term for government artist during Joseon dynasty. The terminology technically includes several painters, which are in different ranks, called Seonhwa, Seonhoe, Hwasa and Hoesa.

Status

The organization setup belongs to Dohwaso, of which full number of personnel was 20 people for Hwawon according to Gyeongguk daejeon. In 1785, however, during the reign of Jeongjo 9, the system became modified, general personnel raised by 30. Under the supervisation of Dohwaseo, it gained several times of modification concerning its setup.

Although entry for governmental position and later those who can take actual age were highly limited in terms of artistic skill, Hwawon could take not only his seat but also own job, which additionally allowed them to work after retirement called Seobanche Ajik(in Hangul:서반체아직, in Hanja:西班遞兒職)

Appointment

Promotion of Hwawon was determined by official compitition, whether the painter is newly-chosen or not. If one does not pass on the examination, no promotion for higher seat was given for anyone however long he worked as a member in Dohwaseo. Five patterns of examination normally account for drawing juk(bamboo), sansoo(Mountain and River), figure, Yeongmo and finally flowers and grasses.

For applicants, they were permitted to take 2 out of 5, distinguished by 4 ranks, while generally credits for juk and sansoo highest. The methodologies Dohwaseo picked up were intended to adopt more skillful and competent painter.

For social position, most of Hwawons were Yangban(aristocrates), Joongin(middle class) or offspring from wedlocks. Since 16th century, the occupation became solid trade business of certain family.

Occupation

Hwawons were in charge of painting portraits of kings and queens and also of several royal families, higher subjects. When it came to national-level courtesy, worship, the terminology for the painiting became Ui-Gwaedo(의궤도, 儀軌圖). Depending on each jobs, surveyed maps for palaces, maps or folding screens can also be drawn.

Notes

• Cho Jeong Yuk, 2011, A day of Hwawon in Joseon dynasty(Korean)
• Lee Seong Mi, 2005, Artistic culture during Joseon Dynasty(Korean)