Rooster - Jang Seung-eop

A traditional ink and colour painting of a rooster and hen by the late Joseon Dynasty master, Jang Seung-eop (Owon).

This work by Jang Seung-eop, known by his art name Owon, captures the expressive brushwork characteristic of late Joseon Dynasty ink painting. The composition features a proud rooster standing over a smaller, lighter-toned hen, set against a backdrop of dark, washed rock formations. Owon was a professional painter who gained recognition for his technical facility and his ability to capture the spirit of his subjects through rapid, confident strokes.

The rooster is rendered with a combination of precise detail in the facial features and looser, more fluid applications of ink for the plumage. The contrast between the dark, saturated feathers of the rooster and the pale, delicate wash of the hen creates a clear visual hierarchy. The inclusion of the rock in the upper left corner provides a sense of grounding, while the negative space surrounding the birds allows the viewer to focus on the textures and postures of the animals.

Owon is often grouped with the most skilled painters of his era, known for his unconventional lifestyle and his departure from the rigid academic styles that preceded him. His approach to bird-and-flower painting prioritised the vitality of the subject over strict adherence to formal conventions. The ink wash technique used here demonstrates his control over the medium, allowing for subtle gradations of tone that define the volume of the birds. This print preserves the tonal nuances of the original ink and colour application, offering a clear view of the artist's brushwork and the texture of the paper support.