Portrait of Taejo of Joseon

Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Jeonju, Korea

This is a portrait of Yi Seong-gye, founder of the Joseon (Yi) dynasty. The title "Taejo (founder) of Joseon" refers to this ruler, who reigned from 1392-1398. This portrait dates only to 1872; it is a copy of an earlier likeness that has not survived. Notable features include the ruler's dragon crown and blue robe with embroidered golden dragons at the chest and shoulders, as well as the dragon patterns on his throne. The use of a five-clawed dragon to symbolize the ruler derives from ancient China; five claws because that is the number of fingers on the human hand.