Pine tree, tiger and magpie

When I saw this vintage plate at the flea -market I liked it immediately for the colours and drawings. Since I’ve bought it I use it to serve some cookies. The cookies I made last time disappeared in a minute and then the empty plate stayed at the middle of the table, with me drinking my coffee and observing the plate ornamentation.The pine tree, a bird and an unknown animal in a clear composition? Of course I had to check it out. It turned out that it was an traditional Korean motif, namely Tiger,magpie and pine tree . Usually a painting with this motif is called jakhodo. Pine tree is a symbol of the firs month of the year, magpie is bringing good news and the tiger  is a messenger of mountain deities overseeing human fortune and misfortune and kind to people. Traditionally jakhodo is put on display in the house in the first month of the lunar calendar. I find this tradition a nice one, isn’t it interesting it is always about the conifers-be it a Christmas tree or a pine tree?  And it certainly can’t hurt to make a wish to tiger and magpie to bring us good news and fortune for thenew year?

to learn more wisit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_in_Korean_culture  and  http://issuu.com/seoulselection/docs/korea_essentials_painting