Chaekgeori

Chaekgeori (), translated as "books and things", is a genre of still-life painting from the Joseon period of Korea that features books as the dominant subject. The "chaekgeori" tradition flourished from the second half of the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century and was enjoyed by all members of the population, from the king to the commoners, revealing the infatuation with books and learning in Korean culture.
Names.
"Chaekgeori" that features bookshelves is called "chaekgado" (). "Chaekgeori" is also known as "munbangdo" ().
History.
During the 18th century, Joseon experienced a golden age following the turbulence of the 17th century; the arts flourished, and new artistic themes and genres emerged.
Developed in the 18th century, "chaekgeori" was personally propagated by King Jeongjo, a bibliophile who promoted studious learning, and embraced by the aristocratic yangban class of Joseon society. Early "chaekgeori" paintings were prized for their illusionistic realism. In the 19th century, "chaekgeori" spread to the "minhwa" folk art of the common class, which resulted in more expressionist and abstract depictions, and the diminished prominence of bookshelves as a primary motif. Court "chaekgeori" were used in both ritual ceremonies and as decoration, but "minhwa chaekgeori" were displayed solely as a decoration in homes.
Influences.
King Jeongjo promoted cultural exchange with the Qing dynasty, leading to increased exposure and importation of Chinese and European cultural items. Some of the depicted items in "chaekgeori" are of foreign origin from China, Japan, and the West. "Chaekgado" incorporated Western linear perspective and shading techniques, and the depicted bookshelves reveal influence of the "duobaoge" treasure cabinets of the Qing dynasty, though more symmetrical and systematic. The "duobaoge" itself was influenced by the European cabinet of curiosities brought into China by Jesuit missionaries.