19th century
Birds and Flowers
Artist/maker unknownThe subject of birds and flowers has been one of the most popular in the history of Korean painting, not only for the visual beauty it affords but also for the auspicious meanings it conveys. In this scene, the camellia blooms and pair of ducks symbolize the long-lasting love of a married couple; the peach blossoms represent a wish for longevity; and the swallows bear the blessing of good fortune. In an effort to create well-rounded, almost amulet-like symbolic images, Korean artists often juxtaposed birds and flowers from different seasons.
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