Altar Attendant (Tongja) Holding a Phoenix (image 1 of 4), 18th century. Creator: Unknown

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Altar Attendant (Tongja) Holding a Phoenix (image 1 of 4), 18th century. Creator: Unknown

Altar Attendant (Tongja) Holding a Phoenix (image 1 of 4), 18th century

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Media ID 36356721

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Buddhist Buddhists Choson Dynasty Figurine Joseon Joseon Dynasty Korea Korean Mythical Beasts Mythical Creatures Mythological Creature Phoenix Statuette

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> Historic > Medieval architecture > Sculptures, reliefs, and carvings > Wooden sculptures

> Popular Themes > Mythical Beasts

EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite 18th century wood carving from the Choson Dynasty of Korea, depicts an altar attendant, or Tongja, holding a majestic phoenix. The Tongja, a figure of reverence and devotion in Buddhism, is often seen in Korean art as an attendant to Buddhist deities or guardian figures. The phoenix, a mythical creature symbolizing renewal and immortality, is held aloft with both hands, its wings spread wide, as if ready to take flight. The intricately carved and painted figure of the Tongja is dressed in the traditional attire of the Choson Dynasty, with a long robe and a wide-brimmed hat adorned with intricate patterns. The phoenix, a symbol of the emperor in Chinese mythology, is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, its feathers delicately carved and painted in vibrant colors. The wood used in this sculpture has been expertly carved and then painted with pigment, creating a stunning contrast between the rich, dark wood grain and the bright, colorful details of the figures. The piece is a testament to the artistic achievements of the Choson Dynasty, a time when wood carving and painting reached new heights in Korean art. This sculpture is an important example of the heritage art of Korea, and a reminder of the rich cultural traditions that have shaped the country's history. It is currently housed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where it continues to inspire awe and admiration from visitors and scholars alike.

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