Images(8)

Ten symbols of longevity

Place of OriginKorea

Dateapprox. 1850-1900

DynastyJoseon dynasty (1392-1910)

MaterialsInk and colors on linen

DimensionsH. 83 3/4 in x W. 173 in, H. 212.7 cm x W. 439.4 cm (overall); H. 60 1/4 in x W. 162.5 in, H. 153.0 cm x W. 412.75 cm (image)

Credit LineAcquisition made possible by the Walter and Phyllis Shorenstein Fund with additional funding from the Koret Foundation, the Connoisseurs' Council, the Museum Society Auxiliary, Mr. David Hill, and Dr. and Mrs. David Buchanan

Object number1995.61

DepartmentKorean Art

ClassificationsPainting

On View

Not on view

More Information

This screen belongs to a type of paintings taking as their subject the "ten longevity symbols." The work contains ten forms in nature associated in Korea with longevity: the sun, clouds, mountains/rocks, water, cranes, deer, tortoises, bamboo, mushrooms of long life, and a peach tree—which here replaces the pine tree usually seen in such paintings.

The peach tree was infrequently substituted for the pine in screens representing the ten longevity symbols; these rare works are instead said to represent "cranes and peaches of immortality." In most nineteenth-century paintings of the ten
longevity symbols, peach and pine trees appear together in lively arrangements.

During the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), screens depicting the ten longevity symbols were painted by royal court painters for use during New Year celebrations and as gifts to ministers on their sixtieth birthdays.

Subject