Tiger and Magpie

Paintings of tigers and magpies were popular in Korea in the 19th century and were often displayed on the front gate of homes at New Year. In Korea, the tiger is considered the most powerful of evil-repelling animals, while magpies are traditionally viewed as the bearers of good news. This subject matter was thus not only visually appealing, but was also thought to provide protection and attract good fortune for the forthcoming year.

The humour of this particular painting is characteristic of the genre. Two magpies chatter to each other on the bough of a pine tree. A tiger, frustrated by their noise but powerless to stop it, glares up at them from below.