During the later Choson period, solemn Confucian rites included expressions of gratitude to one's predecessors in government. Unlike Buddhist rites and festivals, Confucian memorial services were conducted with considerable gravity and did not include dance and music. Confucian ceremonies also focused upon upper-class males and the literati, the principal constituents of the Choson bureaucracy. Calendars clearly identified the important days for observing familial as well as civil ancestors' rites. Worship on these days was meant to console the deceased, and obtain their protection and support for the welfare of the descendants. Special rooms and halls were constructed for the display of ancestral portraits together with spirit tablets and epitaph plaques that were placed on an altar along with incense and offerings of food.
The identity of this seated official is not known, but his cape, robe, chair, leopard skin cover, and woven (and painted) bamboo rug confirm a governmental position. The image features a carefully studied face contrasted with a summarily drawn torso enfolded in a pinkish robe. Later 18th and 19th century Korean portraits meld these components of portraiture into incisive, realistic presentations.
cxd
<P>During the later Choson period, solemn Confucian rites included expressions of gratitude to one's predecessors in government. Unlike Buddhist rites and festivals, Confucian memorial services were conducted with considerable gravity and did not include dance and music. Confucian ceremonies also focused upon upper-class males and the literati, the principal constituents of the Choson bureaucracy. Calendars clearly identified the important days for observing familial as well as civil ancestors' rites. Worship on these days was meant to console the deceased, and obtain their protection and support for the welfare of the descendants. Special rooms and halls were constructed for the display of ancestral portraits together with spirit tablets and epitaph plaques that were placed on an altar along with incense and offerings of food.</p><p>The identity of this seated official is not known, but his cape, robe, chair, leopard skin cover, and woven (and painted) bamboo rug confirm a governmental position. The image features a carefully studied face contrasted with a summarily drawn torso enfolded in a pinkish robe. Later 18th and 19th century Korean portraits meld these components of portraiture into incisive, realistic presentations.</p>
Context
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