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.
Peonies and Tiger brings together two familiar subjects in Korean folk painting: peonies, traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity, and the tiger, regarded as a guardian against evil spirits. Here, these auspicious motifs meet contemporary music-inspired imagery in a playful celebration of Korean culture.
In this work, a blue tiger wearing oversized headphones, round sunglasses, and a richly decorated blue traditional-style outfit sits among abundant peony blossoms. Holding two drumsticks above an hourglass-shaped drum, the tiger takes on the character of a musician. Red, pink, pale blue, and peach-colored flowers surround the figure, while a star-shaped ornament bearing a paw print adds a whimsical detail. The dense floral setting and vivid colors create a festive composition that connects traditional imagery with contemporary popular culture.
Product Details
Artist: Soonja Yoo
Title: Peonies and Tiger
Year: 2026
Material: Mineral pigments mixed with animal glue on Hanji (Korean mulberry paper)
Dimensions: 14 × 14 in.
