Tohwasŏ (Korean: 도화서;Hanja: 圖畵署), translated asKorean Royal Academy of Painting, was an administrative office of theJoseon period responsible for drawing pictures requested by other government offices. It was originally called Tohwawŏn (도화원) during theGoryeo period until it was later renamed under Yejong,[1] but its class was dropped, and the office was later renamed to Tohwasŏ.[2]
According to theKyŏngguk taejŏn, or National Code, the organizational structure of the Tohwasŏ comprised one Jeju (제주;提調), two Byeolje (별제;別提), and twenty miscellaneous workers. The organization's main task was to paint artworks for the nation, such asUigwe. In addition, its artists drew portraits of the king, popular men and maps.[2]
Artists who worked within the Tohwasŏ were calledHwawon orHwasa.An Gyeon, who was ahwawon during the reign ofSejong the Great, is renowned for hisShan shui, and for the worksMongyudowondo andSasipaljungdo.Kim Hong-do andShin Yun-bok were also renownedHwawon for their drawings.[3]
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