Scholars' accoutrements

The theme of scholars' accoutrements—articles often found in the study of a scholarly gentleman—was a popular subject for still-life painting at the Joseon dynasty court and among Korean gentry during the eighteenth century and later. This painting includes books, a vase with chili pepper branches, ceramic bowls with cucumbers and citrons, a red stand holding a circular jade piece, a wine jar, and a pile of bowls and cups. A miniature crane, symbolizing the scholar's lofty spirit, peeps out from behind the books. The angular and curved shapes of the various items combine to form a dynamic design, the arrangement of the motifs precarious yet playful.