BOOK CASE

Bookcase paintings are one of the folk paintings of the Joseon Dynasty, and are paintings depicting various objects including books. Book paintings are widespread throughout the world, but there are not many countries where book paintings were as popular as Joseon. In the Joseon Dynasty, where passing the civil service examination and becoming an official was highly valued, books were a symbol of success. Books were loved by all classes in Joseon, including the royal family, scholars, and commoners. In the Joseon Dynasty, where reading books diligently and passing the civil service examination was the only way to success, book stories were popular as folk paintings containing the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people.