The Ten Symbols of Longevity

The ten symbols of longevity - rocks, water, clouds, sun, pine trees, turtles, deer, cranes, bamboo, and fungus - represent a ubiquitous theme in the Joseon-period (1392-1910) visual culture of Korea. This volume examines a large ten-panel folding-screen landscape, created by an unknown court artist and intended for use in a Korean palace. Such screens of the ten symbols were often used in a ceremonial capacity for celebrations of the new year, palace banquets, and significant anniversaries. This book provides an introduction to the ten-symbols theme in Korean art and a historical and critical context for a particular screen.