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Hanji (한지)

Briefly looking at the history of paper, Meng-Yeom(몽염) first developed paper in the Qin Dynasty of China( 진나라, 중국) , and the paper production technology improved by Cai Lun (채륜) in the Later Han Dynasty was introduced to the Korean Peninsular in 105 AD. It is presumed that Hanji (한지) was already used in the Korean Peninsular before Chae Ryun improved paper. Hanji (한지) has been widely recognized for its excellent quality since ancient times. Despite its subtle and soft color, it had the toughness not to tear easily, and it was thin and light, but it was well ventilated and absorbs moisture well, so it was suitable for writing and painting.  It has excellent light-emitting power that makes even the strongest sunlight transparent. Hanji is made from mulberry trees, oats (fixed pater), and mulberry trees, as well as hemp and grasses (bamboo, rice straw, and reeds). Paper making process Mulberry harvest - November~ December cut the first year branches of mulberry trees low. In the ...
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Magpie and Tiger

호작도 (Hojak-Do) -holding institution  Seoul Museum- 

A picture of a large tiger place under a pine tree where a magpie is sitting. Hojak-Do is the most unique type of folk painting. It has a deep connection with Korea's ancient folk beliefs. 

The tiger, which accounts for the largest proportion, has simplified ears and patterns, making it more humorous than a beast of prey.

The tiger was considered a spiritual creature to ward off evil spirits and help the good, and was widely used as a main material for the first trimester. 

The auspicious magpie symbolizes the hope that good things will continue throughout the year.

The pine tree is drawn on the edge of the screen, so the whole is not visible, and the magpie is only barely visible.

In the 19th century, various changes occurred as they were drawn in folk paintings. First of all, the relationship between the magpie and the tiger was dramatized  as an interesting story beyond the simple relationship between the main character and the background. 

The tiger symbolized a person with power and power like the tambourine, and the magpie represents the common people. 



This is an allegorical and satirical representation of the conflict between classes. Originally, the tiger was a ward off evil and the magpie was an auspicious symbol that brought good news.

Although Hojak-Do was originally a theme that originated in China, it was transformed into an theme representing Korean folk painting by being Joseonized and popularized more than anything else.

Since the tiger is a representative animal of Korean, it seems that the affection and expression for it were extraordinary. For this reason, during the 1988 Olympics, a tiger from the folktale Magpie and Tiger was selected as a representative character of Korea.








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