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Framed Korean Folk Shamanistic Painting of Polaris and Seven Stars

Offered by: Tishu

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.

More Information

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

Dimensions

W.	24.5 in;	H.	36.5 in;	D.	1.5 in;
W.	62.23 cm;	H.	92.71 cm;	D.	3.81 cm;

Message from Seller:

Tishu, based in Atlanta, GA, offers a diverse collection ranging from Neolithic art to 20th-century collectibles, with a focus on Mid-century design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian textiles, and Contemporary Aboriginal art. Driven by a passion for timeless beauty, the gallery is open by appointment only and offers works that span 5,000 years of history. Reach them at 305-400-0561 or tishu@tishugallery.com.

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