An original hand-painted minhwa painting by Soonja Yoo.

Minhwa (민화), or Korean folk painting, is known for its vivid colors, expressive imagery, and symbolic themes reflecting wishes for good fortune, longevity, and happiness.

Magpie and Tiger draws on a familiar subject in Korean folk painting, pairing a tiger, traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, with a magpie, regarded as a bearer of good news. Together, they express wishes for protection and good fortune, often with a playful sense of humor.

In this work, a wide-eyed tiger crouches beneath a pine tree as a black-and-white magpie perches on a branch above. Bold stripes, rounded ears, and an exaggerated toothy grin give the tiger an engaging, almost mischievous character. Blue-green pine needles contrast with warm ochre and soft pink tones, creating a lively scene that brings warmth and humor to this traditional subject.