Welcome to our 23rd #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Shin Saimdang, a Korean Artist! Enjoy!
Shin Saimdang(1504-1551) made her mark as one of the most influential women in Korean history as a poet/writer, painter, calligraphist, and lastly as a maternal inspiration with the title of “Eojin Eomeoni(어진 어머니)” or "Wise Mother.” Her legacy lives on, even half a millennium later.
Shin Saimdang was born on October 29th, 1504 in Gangwon province during the Joseon Dynasty. Shin was the second of five daughters and came from aristocratic lineage as her father hailed from the Pyeongsan Shin clan and her mother hailed from the Yongi Yi clan. Living with her mother and maternal grandparents while her father was away as a government official, she was therefore heavily influenced by her maternal grandfather. Neo-Confucianism, art, literature, and history were emphasized in Shin’s education, which was equivalent to a male’s at the time, which impressed visitors.
Shin had an arranged marriage with Yi Wonsu; Yi was chosen by her father since he agreed to not obstruct her artistic pursuits. Shin moved back and forth often to care for her mother and to accompany her husband. Though they had eight children, their marriage was tumultuous, involving her husband’s affair and arguments about the philosophy of Confucius, Zhou Dunyi, and Zengzi, which Shin upheld strongly. As for her career, her works in painting, poetry, and calligraphy were highly praised by people at the time, despite how married women were discouraged from focusing on things outside of their family. Shin’s paintings were characterized by their delicate beauty through the consistent presence of landscapes, flowers, fish, butterflies, and more. 40 ink and stone paint pieces from her exist to this day, but historians claim the number is higher. Even less of her calligraphy exists but there are multiple accounts of high rank officials, scholars, and connoisseurs praising her work, such as calling it “... thoughtfully written, with nobility and elegance, serenity and purity, filled with the lady's virtue.” As for her poetry, the two remaining pieces are about her parents and are heavily influenced by Confucianism - specifically the sadness from leaving their home and filial devotion to her mother.
Shin Saimdang’s birth home and her mother’s side home called Ojukheon remains preserved to this day. As for Shin herself, her moral legacy is preserved through being remembered as a caring and gentle mother and as a role model for Korean mothers. As for her intellect, she exemplifies the importance of the role of education to women, which influenced the evolution of education in Korea. Shin is commemorated on the Korean 50,000 won and was the first woman to appear on a Korean banknote. This also spurred controversy with the interpretation of “reinforcing” stereotypes about a woman’s role in society, since Confucianism was patriarchal and Shin is a praised mother with said values. However, as an educated woman, praised artist, calligrapher, and poet, Shin defied the gender standards of her time and remained after marriage - her legacy physically lives on through her passions.
This is a Woman of the Week article, a weekly deep dive into an amazing women of color. For more incredible stories like this one, check out our article on Yuri Kochiyama and Jofesa Madamba Llanes Escoda! Also, if you’re interested in another type of article, read our Around the World article on 5 Korean Actresses. Make sure to follow us at @likeagirlglobalon Instagram for more updates and original content!
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