In ancient Korea, the tiger was a popular subject in minhwa paintings and was often depicted with a ridiculous expression. This was done intentionally to represent the ruling class, and it was a way of satirizing the aristocracy. The tiger's ridiculous expression was meant to mock the vanity and absurdity of the ruling class, who were often depicted smoking absurdly long pipes that required servants to light them.

The magpie, on the other hand, was often depicted as a dignified bird, and it represented the commoners. The magpie was a symbol of loyalty, and it was often associated with the virtues of honesty and hard work. The contrast between the ridiculous tiger and the dignified magpie was a way of highlighting the gap between the ruling class and the common people.

You'll receive framed, heavyweight, giclée, acid-free print that's created to last for generations. 

• Handmade by expert picture framers
• Giclée, museum quality, acid-free paper
• Framed prints are delivered ready to hang
• Milled, high-quality wood with a satin finish
• Hanging hardware and acrylic front-protector is included

➤ DIGITAL-RESTORATION ART

We specialize in digital recreations of vintage sacred and surreal art. Each work is a handmade digital restoration of the original image, not a pixellated copy of an Internet image that some other vendors may sell. We provide high-quality, clean digital restorations — true to the original — with great attention to detail.