A Journey Across Horizons: Exploring Lee Ungno’s “The Travels of Marco Polo Series”

Lee Ungno (Yi Eungro), born in Seoul in 1904, was a Korean-born French painter and printmaker whose artistic journey spanned decades of exploration between East and West. His formative years were spent at Hongseong Botong Hakyo before he embarked on intensive training under Yeomjae Song Tae-hoe from 1920, establishing himself firmly within the influential ‘haegang style,’ a movement that sought to modernize Korean painting traditions while retaining their core aesthetic values. This dedication to mastering brushwork and composition would prove invaluable as Ungno pursued his artistic ambitions across continents.

• Early Influences & Artistic Training: Ungno’s initial exposure to art came through Hongseong Botong Hakyo, where he honed foundational skills in drawing and color theory. However, it was Song Tae-hoe's tutelage that truly shaped his artistic vision, immersing him in the techniques of traditional Korean ink wash painting – specifically the haegang style—characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and harmonious blending of colors.
• The Bamboo Motif: Ungno’s celebrated mukjuk (묵죽), or bamboo painting, exemplifies this stylistic approach. Winning a prize at the 3rd Joseon Art Exhibition solidified his reputation as a gifted artist and demonstrated his ability to capture subtle nuances of light and shadow within a deceptively simple composition. The bamboo itself holds profound symbolic significance in Korean culture – representing resilience, humility, and longevity—mirroring Ungno’s own unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.

A Series Dedicated to Exploration & Perspective

“The Travels of Marco Polo Series,” conceived during the colonial era, represents a pivotal moment in Korean art history. Recognizing the limitations faced by Eastern ink painters attempting to engage with Western influences, Ungno deliberately adopted a bird’s-eye view—a technique borrowed from East Asian painting—to convey a sense of expansive distance and panoramic grandeur. This stylistic choice reflects Ungno's desire to transcend conventional artistic boundaries and capture the essence of intercultural dialogue. The triangular forms dominating the landscape subtly evoke mountainous terrains, mirroring the geographical realities encountered by Marco Polo during his expeditions.

Architectural Echoes & Symbolic Representation

The inclusion of miniature architectural figures amongst the triangular landscapes is particularly noteworthy. These stylized representations hark back to East Asian architectural traditions—specifically those observed by European travelers—adding another layer of complexity and visual interest to the artwork. Ungno’s masterful use of color – predominantly red and white – contributes to a striking aesthetic impact, symbolizing vitality and purity respectively. The overall composition invites contemplation on themes of exploration, discovery, and the merging of cultures.

Legacy & Rediscovery

Despite Ungno's ambition to publish his series, it remained largely unknown until its donation to the Lee Ungno Museum in Daejeon, where it now resides as a testament to Korean artistic heritage. “The Travels of Marco Polo Series” stands as an enduring symbol of Ungno’s pioneering spirit and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of art—a captivating piece that continues to inspire admiration for its innovative technique and evocative imagery.