Tiger Illustration Inspired by Traditional Mother-of-Pearl Inlay (Najeon Chilgi)
This piece is a mother-of-pearl illustration based on a traditional tiger talisman that was widely used among the common people during the late Joseon Dynasty.
At the top of the talisman are Chinese characters: “大吉” (Great Fortune), “永安” (Eternal Peace), and “禁亂將” (General Who Suppresses Chaos).
Each phrase conveys a wish for great luck, everlasting peace, and the presence of a guardian who wards off disorder and protects against misfortune.
Each phrase conveys a wish for great luck, everlasting peace, and the presence of a guardian who wards off disorder and protects against misfortune.
In Korean folk belief, the tiger is more than just an animal — it symbolizes a guardian spirit that protects against evil spirits and calamities.
In minhwa (Korean folk paintings), tigers often appear in byeoksado (protective talismanic paintings).
These paintings were displayed on walls during the New Year to bring blessings and drive away bad energy.
(Byeoksado typically featured protective animals such as haetae, tigers, dogs, and roosters.)
These paintings were displayed on walls during the New Year to bring blessings and drive away bad energy.
(Byeoksado typically featured protective animals such as haetae, tigers, dogs, and roosters.)
Each of these animals held symbolic meaning as protective spirits, guarding different areas of the home and watching over the family.
Through this tiger, I express a heartfelt wish — that it may protect me, my loved ones, friends, and neighbors from harm.
※ I’ve explored several styles using mother-of-pearl motifs; here, I’m sharing two of them first, with more to follow.
I imagined this tiger illustration on a hard case, and created mockup images to visualize how it might look.
I imagined this tiger illustration on a hard case, and created mockup images to visualize how it might look.
