Book excerpt: "Pathways to Korean Culture explores the various social, cultural and political perspectives of the Joseon era (1392-1910), introducing the major painting and currents of this dynamic, dynastic period and uncovering the fascinating history of more than 500 years of Korean art and visual culture. Il closely examines the many themes and socio-cultural aspects of the Joseon art world, from the ink painting tradition of the literati elite to the role of women as both patrons and artists. It looks at the various functions paintings had during this period, where they were as important for foreign exchange as they were as a means of escapism. The Joseon dynasty's overarching Confucian ideology was constantly at odds with the culture's Buddhist projects. Burglind Jungmann investigates select clusters of objects to shed light on the multiple layers of personal, intellectual, aesthetic, religious, socio-political and economic contexts in which they are embedded. From palace decorations to formal artworks, Pathways to Korean Culture takes a sweeping, comprehensive look at Korean history and visual culture, exploring its engagement with the West, its political affiliations with China, and its uniquely varied artists and artistic output."--Rabat de la jaquette.