Description :

Korean Byeongpung 12-Panel Embroidered Folding Screen

A monumental 12-panel Korean folding screen (byeongpung, 병풍), intricately embroidered with colorful silk threads to depict scenes of village and court life. Each panel features figures in traditional attire engaged in daily activities—gatherings, music, farming, and family life—set within landscapes of tiled-roof architecture, thatched cottages, and mountainous scenery. Framed with patterned silk brocade borders and mounted in a folding wood frame with side handles for transport, this screen is both a decorative and cultural centerpiece.

• Medium: Silk embroidery on fabric with brocade borders

• Panels: 12 (folding construction)

• Dimensions: 210 in L × 60.5 in H (overall when extended)

• Condition: Embroidery remains vibrant and detailed; mold present on outside edges but not affecting embroidered surfaces

Historical & Cultural Context

• Function: Folding screens were essential in Korean interiors, used for privacy, decoration, and status display

• Artistic Tradition: Embroidery reflects pungsokhwa (풍속화), genre painting from the Joseon dynasty that celebrated everyday life

• Period: Likely created during the mid-20th century (1950s–1970s), a time of revival in traditional Korean arts for domestic and export markets

• Symbolism: Themes of prosperity, harmony, and cultural refinement make it ideal for formal settings

Collecting Highlights

• Rarity: Embroidered screens of this scale are significantly less common than painted ones

• Craftsmanship: Exceptional silk embroidery showcases technical artistry and cultural depth

• Value: Appeals to collectors of Korean art, Asian textiles, and historical furnishings

• Preservation: With professional re-backing, it can be stabilized for long-term display and enjoyment