Magpie and Tiger Korean Folk Art Canvas Print

I want to introduce one of the most popular Korean folk art paintings of Joseon dynasty(1392-1910) of Korea. In this folk art image recreated by me, the smiling tiger looks quite ridiculous, not frightening. Even though the animal was a big threat to people of the era, the commons of Joseon dynasty often portrayed tigers in a humourous way in folk paintings, and they also believed the powerful animal painted in art works would protect their households from pandemic diseases and evil spirits. A magpie has been always believed to be a harbinger of good news and luck in Korea. Therefore, the combination of the bird and tiger hung inside a house reflected the people's wishes that the folk painting would bring them good luck and repel evil sprits.