Folding Screen with Flowers and Butterflies
Nam Gyewu
coloring on silk
Late Joseon dynasty
356cm x 102cm

Artist Nam Gyewu (1811~1888), who was of the noble origin, painted the flowers and butterflies in the miniature technique (工筆) of coloration which the court painters had mainly used. He was unique enough to earn himself the nickname of ‘Butterfly Nam’ because he was so good at painting flowers and butterflies in his own ways. Among the grotesque rocks are various flowers in full bloom, busily greeted by a throng of swallowtails, which show the characteristics of the artist’s style of painting butterflies.