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Prince Ajwa Taeja (Active circa 597)
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Prince Ajwa Taeja (Active circa 597)
KOREA; JAPAN; Baekje period (18 BCE–663 CE)
Prince Ajwa Taeja was the son of King Wideok (reigned 554-598) of the Baekje Kingdom and was known for his adept painting skills. In 597 he went to Japan and became a pupil of Prince Shotoku. He is attributed to painting what is thought to be the first known portrait of the prince. Originally kept in Horyuji Temple, the portrait was offered to the imperial court in 1878 and is now retained at the Imperial Household Agency in Tokyo, Japan.
The painting, Prince Shotoku and Two Princes, features Prince Shotoku flanked by two shorter princes. The facial contour is executed in iron-wire drawing and the colors are applied in an ink wash to give a three-dimensional impression. Because the presentation and composition of the facial features and crown are based on that of ancient emperors, the image is often considered a painting of Chinese style. |
