Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 10 works by Shin Saimdang in our catalogue
In short
Of all the originals Shin Saimdang left, the most famous is Grass and Insects (1500), in the collection of the National Museum of Korea, Seoul. Close behind it come Grass and Insects (1500) and Grass and Insects (1500). Our catalog holds 10 works by Shin Saimdang; the gallery has kept the 10 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
A single blade of grass sways against a paper background the color of aged earth. In this small, contained universe, the weight of the world is reduced to the movement of a wing and the curve of a stem. Shin Saimdang captured these fleeting moments during the Joseon Dynasty, turning a folding screen into a window for the observant eye. The work avoids the heavy opulence of earlier eras, choosing…
“Grass and Insects,” painted in 1500 by the remarkable Sin Saimdang, offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of the Joseon dynasty. This exquisite piece, part of a ten-panel folding screen, transcends mere botanical illustration; it’s a vibrant testament to a woman's creative genius within a rigidly structured society. Born in Gangneung in 1504, Saimdang was far more than just a painter – she was a poet, calligrapher, and…
Shin Saimdang’s “Grass and Insects,” a captivating panel from the monumental ten-panel folding screen created in 1504, offers a profound glimpse into the world as perceived by one of Korea’s most celebrated female artists. More than merely a depiction of flora and fauna, this work embodies a delicate balance between meticulous observation and poetic interpretation – a hallmark of Saimdang's artistic philosophy. The painting, now housed within the National Museum…
“Grass and Insects,” a captivating panel from Shin Saimdang’s renowned ten-panel folding screen, offers a remarkably intimate glimpse into the world of 16th-century Korea. More than just a beautiful depiction of nature, this artwork embodies the artistic sensibilities, philosophical leanings, and profound life experiences of one of Korea's most celebrated female artists – Shin Saimdang herself. Created during her time as a devoted mother and wife, it’s a poignant testament…
“Grass and Insects,” a captivating work from 1500 attributed to the visionary Shin Saimdang, offers a rare glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of Joseon Dynasty Korea. This exquisite folding screen, part of a larger ten-panel composition, transcends mere botanical illustration; it’s a testament to Saimdang's multifaceted talent – her mastery as a painter, poet, calligrapher, and her deep connection to the natural world. The painting’s beauty lies not just in…
The artwork titled Folding screen embroidered with flower, bees and butterflies is an embroidered piece featuring flowers and insects. This work is attributed to the artist Shin Saimdang. Born in 1504 in Gangneung, South Korea, Shin Saimdang was a multifaceted figure of the Joseon Dynasty, recognized as a poetess, calligrapher, and painter. The physical object consists of multiple panels that present a detailed depiction of various natural elements through needlework.
“Grass and Insects,” a captivating panel from Shin Saimdang’s renowned ten-panel folding screen, offers a remarkably intimate glimpse into the world of 16th-century Korea. More than just a beautiful depiction of nature, this artwork embodies the artistic sensibilities, philosophical leanings, and profound life experiences of one of Joseon Dynasty's most celebrated female figures – Shin Saimdang herself. The piece, currently housed within the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, is…
Within the hallowed halls of the National Museum of Korea resides a treasure that transcends mere artistry – Shin Saimdang’s “Grass and Insects,” a captivating folding screen painting from 1504. More than just a depiction of flora and fauna, this work offers a poignant glimpse into the life, intellect, and artistic sensibilities of one of Korea's most remarkable women: Shin Saimdang, a pioneering figure who defied societal constraints to become…
In "Grass and Insects," Shin Saimdang presents a quiet, detailed study of the natural world. The work focuses on a specific arrangement of plants and insects within their native habitat. One can observe a plant characterized by green leaves and purple flowers, which provides a central anchor for the surrounding life. This botanical element is part of a larger, intricate scene that captures the diversity of flora and the small…
Shin Saimdang’s “Grass and Insects”: A Symphony of Color and Quiet Observation Shin Saimdang (1504–1551), a trailblazing female artist in Joseon dynasty Korea, stands as an emblem of intellectual curiosity and artistic prowess—a woman who defied societal constraints to pursue her passions for poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Her legacy resides not merely in the exquisite beauty of her artwork but also in its profound reflection of the era’s cultural values…
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 2 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Shin Saimdang | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Museum of Korea |
Seoul | 9 | Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects |
 Sookmyung Women's University Museum |
Seoul | 1 | Folding screen embroidered with flower, bees and butterflies |
Grass and Insects (1500), National Museum of Korea, Seoul. Grass and Insects (1500) and Grass and Insects (1500) come next.
Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Folding screen embroidered with flower, bees and butterflies, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects and Grass and Insects. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 10 works by Shin Saimdang.
Mostly in National Museum of Korea (Seoul) and Sookmyung Women's University Museum (Seoul). The museum table above lists them all.
Folding screen (9), Floral painting (4) and Insects (4), across the 10 works on this page.
Acrylic On Canvas, for 7 of the 10 works on this page.
Joseon dynasty art, judging by the originals on this page.
Grass and Insects, Grass and Insects and Grass and Insects: the National Museum of Korea, Seoul holds 9 of the works on this page.
