The ten symbols are the sun, clouds, mountains, rocks, water, cranes, deer, turtles, pine trees, and the legendary mushroom of eternal youth. Besides these, this magnificent picture also depicts the peaches of immortality and bamboo. It is representative of the Ten Longevity Symbols paintings.

History of the Object

The ten longevity symbols, expressing the universal wish of man to lead a long and happy life, were widely applied to Korean folk arts and handicrafts. This ten-panel standing screen, belonging to a luxurious category of folk painting in terms of size, brush technique, and color scheme, is assumed to have been produced for use in the New Year’s celebrations of royalty or aristocrats. According to historical records, while the king and his courtiers exchanged pictures of these auspicious symbols at the beginning of each new year, such folding screens were placed behind the seat of the queen during court ceremonies. Commoners used the screens for sixtieth birthday celebrations.