Portrait of Ojachi

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1190

Category

Painting

Era

성종 7년(1476)

Designated year

1994

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울 종로구 효자로 12, 국립고궁박물관 (세종로,국립고궁박물관)

Coordinates

37.576571, 126.974851

This portrait is assumed to be that of O Ja-chi, who was a military official during the Joseon Dynasty. It measures 105 cm wide and 160 cm long. O Ja-chi is very little known but was designated as first-rank meritorious subject in recognition of his military merits, having suppressed a revolt led by Yi Si-ae in the 13th year of the reign of King Sejo (1467) of the Joseon Dynasty. In this full-body portrait, he is sitting on the chair, looking to the right. He is wearing a black official hat and a deep blue official robe, holding both hands together in the sleeves. The rank badge on the chest, which is embroidered in a tiger pattern, suggests that he was probably the highest-ranking general at the time when the portrait was drawn. The face is painted with natural skin color, with brown color used to define the facial contour. The lips are painted with red clay color that is a little darker than the skin color, giving a subdued feel. The outline of the robe is depicted with straight lines. The lining as seen through the side slits of the robes looks very rough, like starched clothes. This portrait shows great similarity with the portraits of Jang Mal-son and Son So in terms of form and style, so it was probably painted at the same time as the portraits of other meritorious subjects at the King’s order in the 7th year of the reign of King Seongjong (1476) of the Joseon Dynasty. As one of a few very valuable existing portraits of the early Joseon Dynasty, it shows the typical style of the portraits of meritorious subjects.

Location