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 seated tiger fills the composition beneath a twisting pine tree, while a black-and-white magpie leans toward it from a branch above. Bold black and gray stripes contrast with the tiger’s golden body, orange-spotted face, and oversized white paws. Wide yellow eyes, sweeping white eyebrows, and an exaggerated toothy grin give it a mischievous character. Its long tail curves across the foreground, bringing the richly patterned figure together against a warm cream background.

Product Details

• Artist: Soonja Yoo

• Title: Magpie and Tiger

• Year: 2023

• Material: Mineral pigments mixed with animal glue on Hanji (Korean mulberry paper)

• Dimensions: 16 ½ × 12 in.