Dragon
Powerful auspicious symbols, dragons are ubiquitous in East Asian culture, including shamanistic cultures. This highly stylized painting depicts an established symbol of a dragon pursuing a circular “flaming pearl,” with its spiky, snakelike body disappearing and reappearing in a black cloud. Its bulging eyes, distorted snout, and trident-shaped horns make it look more like a monster than a dragon. Used in rituals to ward off evil spirits, the red seal in the shape of a bronze tripod at the top may have been applied during a ritual to activate the painting and generate talismanic energy.
Artwork Details
- 작자미상 운용도
- 作者未詳 雲龍圖
- Title: Dragon
- Artist: Unidentified artist , Korean
- Date: 20th century
- Culture: Korea
- Medium: Ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Frame: 33 3/4 × 57 3/4 in. (85.7 × 146.7 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of the children of Lea R. Sneider, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.89.10
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
Unidentified artist
18th–19th century
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