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Framed Korean Folk Shamanistic Painting of Polaris and Seven Stars

Description
A Korean folk painting watercolor on linen (silk) with a cloth mat and walnut wood frame. The work is in the shamanistic style and depicts the Buddha personification of the North Star/Polaris (Chiseonggwang Yeorae) surrounded by his attendants, the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Chilseong Yeorae). A fusion of Buddhism, Taoism and folk/shamanistic mythology, paintings of such style were widely popular in Joseon Dynasty and displayed in the designated shrines in the temple. As the guiding star and the major constellation in the sky, the Polaris and the Bigger Dipper were widely worshipped as deities for their protection power from evils and sins, as well as their aid in conception of male babies. The painting is of a prototype in its composition and stylization, with the Polaris buddha in the center with a halo, depicted in a folky and shamanistic style. Except of one of seven stars are dressed in flowing Taoist robes and crowns, the others are depicted as officials and warriors, a strong sense of folk tradition of humanizing deities.
Sight of the image: 28 1/4 x 17 1/4 inches. One of the two matching painting for sale in the same wood frame.
Reference: for a similar painting of the Big Dipper, see Illustration plate 4 of the book "God Picture in Korean Context". Collection in Gahoe Museum, no. musin-158.
Suggested reading on the subject: LACMA collection M.2000.15.1-2.

Origin:	South Korea
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Watercolor on textile
Condition:	Good. Surface wear overall and area of discoloration in keeping with the age; not examined out of the frame. Frame shows age and some wear.
Creation Date:	late 19th to early 20th century
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Asian Art
Incollect Reference #:	545145