culture

It is over 30 years since the Korean jewel painting was born.

Korean jewel paintings remain intact even after many years and can excellently depict any objects from landscapes to figures.

In the 1980s, the fine art sector of the DPRK intensified the work of further developing all kinds and forms of fine art on the basis of Korean painting along with the research for ensuring the perfection of fine art materials.

In the course of this, some paintings were created by using natural stone powder of different colours.

Chairman Kim Jong Il named this form of pictorial art Korean jewel painting in 1990 and saw to it that a production unit specializing in Korean jewel painting was formed at the Mansudae Art Studio.

Since then, the Korean jewel painting has followed the road of its development.

With the harmony of vivid and soft colours, three-dimensional formation and texture, ornamental effect based on the combination of various materials and beautiful and elaborate representation, Korean jewel paintings drew the admiration of many people and enjoyed lavish praise at international exhibitions.

“Dove dance”, a typical work of Korean jewel painting, won a special prize and medal at the international stone and stone-processing technique exhibition in 2003.

Today the Korean jewel painting is developing under the care of the state, with its themes and depiction objects expanding and its attractiveness growing.

The main themes of Korean jewel paintings were figures, flowers and animals in the past, but now they are extensively representing the ever-increasing national power of the DPRK and its reality in which the people’s happiness is being brought into full bloom.

The typical works created in recent years include “Toward the high and clear sky”, “Jonwi Street in the evening” and “Joy of Saeppyol Street”.

The Korean jewel paintings used to be created mainly for indoor display and appreciation, but nowadays mural paintings are being created in this form.

The mountain-climbing roadmaps created in the form of large-size jewel painting on Mt Myohyang and Mt Chilbo, celebrated mountains of the country, vividly represent the beautiful natural environment and clearly indicate the climbing routes, leaving a deep impression on every visitor. 

Pak Myong Chol, chief of the Korean jewel painting production unit of the Mansudae Art Studio, said that the Korean jewel painting contributes greatly to the cultural development of the country, adding lustre to its excellent qualities along with the changing reality of the country.