Monkeys are not indigenous to the Korean Peninsula, but as one of the 12 animals of the East Asian zodiac, the monkey can be found in many aspects of Korean history and traditions. As the ninth zodiac animal, it symbolizes maternal love and success, and can act as a talisman to ward off evil spirits.
In celebration of 2016, the Year of the Red Monkey, the National Folk Museum of Korea has opened its “Monkey” exhibit on Dec. 23. Divided into three parts, the exhibition explores the depiction of the animal in Korean folklore and has many historical samples of the symbolism embodied by the creature. The event is scheduled to run until Feb. 22 next year.
A monkey takes on human form in ‘Sibijibeon,’ a Buddhist scroll painting of the twelve zodiac animal deities.
The exhibit explains the different species of monkey and how they show up as zodiac deities. The values represented by the animal, such as success, maternal love, dexterity and defense against evil spirits, are examined through paintings and other historical artifacts.
The paintings “An Old Monk Under a Pine Tree,” or “Songhagoseungdo (송하고승도, 松下高僧圖), and “A Monkey Catching a Crab With a Pine Twig,” or “Anhaigapdo” (안하이갑도, 眼下二甲圖) show monkeys as symbols of good luck. Carved masks, ink stones, bowls and other ornaments among some 70 pieces of artwork illustrate the monkey’s significance in Korean culture. Other displays that introduce proverbs related to monkeys add to the experience.
A brass chafing dish, or a sinseonro (십이지문 신선로, 十二支文 神仙爐), is engraved with a pattern showing the twelve zodiac animal deities.
More information about the exhibition can be found by visiting the link below:
www.nfm.go.kr/Display/disIng_view.nfm?seq=697
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: National Folk Museum of Korea
hlee10@korea.kr
The painting ‘An Old Monk Under a Pine Tree,’ or ‘Songhagoseungdo‘ (송하고승도, 松下高僧圖), depicts a monkey offering Buddhist scriptures to an old monk.
The National Folk Museum is hosting the ‘Monkey’ exhibit until late February next year.
