부산광역시 서구청 영문 스킵네비게이션

This folding screen is thought to have been made by Sin Saimdang (1512-1559). The turquoise silk thread depicts plants and insects on black silk. The embroidery is so skillfully done that it looks as if the insects and flowers were alive. Made using the flat embroidery technique, the finish is realistic and delicate. The first panel is of a cucumber, chrysanthemum, frog, dragonfly and bee; the second is of a cockscomb, bellflower, lizard, butterfly, and firefly; the third panel is of a watermelon, chrysanthemum, grasshopper, bee, and butterfly; the fourth panel is of a dandelion, dianthus, bee, and butterfly; the fifth panel depicts chrysanthemums; the sixth panel is of an eggplant, bee, and butterfly; the seventh panel depicts a ground cherry, butterfly, and meadow mouse; the eighth panel is of a daylily, chrysanthemum, grasshopper, and bee.

The folding screen has historic value as it was created by Sin, who is considered one of the greatest female artists from the mid-Joseon Dynasty and also the oldest embroidery available to this day. Sin Saimdang is the artist’s pen-name but she has also signed her work as Inimdang and Imsaje. She is from the Pyeongsan Sin Clan and is the daughter of Sin Myeong-hwa. She married Yi Won-su and later gave birth to Yi I (pen-name: Yulgok), who became one of the best scholars of his time.