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 magpies, regarded as bearers of good news. Together, they express wishes for protection and good fortune, often with a playful sense of humor.
In this work, a golden tiger sits beneath the spreading branches of a pine tree as two magpies perch overhead. Sweeping black stripes, bright yellow eyes, and a curling tail give the tiger a striking, animated presence, while its exaggerated expression lends the scene a touch of humor. Green pine needles and red mushroom-like forms punctuate the warm ochre landscape, creating a richly patterned composition that balances strength with playfulness.
Product Details
Artist: Soonja Yoo
Title: Magpie and Tiger
Year: 2025
Material: Mineral pigments mixed with animal glue on Hanji (Korean mulberry paper)
Dimensions: 24 × 18 in.
