Cho Seok-Jin (Korean, 1853-1920) a Korean gouache study of two birds standing on a rock below a blossoming lilac branch, inscribed and signed Sorim with artist's seal, ink and colour on paper, cut off in a fan shape, 28cm across, framed and glazed Born into a family of royal painters, Cho Seok-Jin (Jo Seokjin) was the last court painter of the Joseon dynasty. After spending a year in China in the 1880s studying with old masters, he became influenced by the Qing painting style, and his use of saturated colours and of shading may reflect this and an adaptation of Western techniques. He successfully continued his career into the early twentieth century, also establishing an Academy of Painting and Calligraphy to pass on his classical method. Condition report: Creases, scratches and stains. Frame with damages and restoration.