Kisaeng in Painting: Representation of Korean Beauty by Japanese Artists in the Colonial Korea

Abstract

The word “kisaeng” refers to a “Korean prostitute who works to entertain the aristocracy or royalty.” Generally speaking, kisaeng appeared during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), and began to be painted in Korean genre paintings from the end of the Chosun Dynasty (1637-1897). They have long been regarded as a model of Korean beauty. This article explores the image of kisaeng as represented by Japanese painters during the Japanese colonial period (1910- 1945) from historical, social, and cultural perspectives. More specifically, I want to look at the personal and social relationship between kisaeng and male painters and examine the significance of their representation from various angles, based on the issues of class, gender, and art. Kisaeng have served as the symbol of Korean beauty in painting and as a cultural icon that plays a leading role in popular culture and fashion in modern Korea. On the other hand, they have been ceaselessly discriminated against because of their sex, class, and race (especially during the colonial period), having existed as social “Others.” I want to explore the colonial modern society of Korea through the representation of “Others” as visualized by Japanese painter.

Authors and Affiliations

Shin Min-jong

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP31111
  • DOI -
  • Views 301
  • Downloads 2

How To Cite

Shin Min-jong (2017). Kisaeng in Painting: Representation of Korean Beauty by Japanese Artists in the Colonial Korea. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies (IJIMS), 4(3), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-31111