Vintage Korean Folk Art Hand-Carved Wood Guardian Tiger Figurines - Pair
Signed on underside base: 蔡璟燮 (Chae Kyung-seop)
A striking matching mirror pair of hand-carved and hand-painted Korean folk art tigers (Horangi), crafted in the expressive tradition of Joseon Dynasty Minhwa folk paintings. In traditional Korean culture, tigers were revered as sacred protectors who ward off evil spirits (aekmak-i) and bring good fortune.
Features bold mustard-yellow, earthy olive-green, and black striped bodies, bared toothy grins, red interior mouths, and distinctive sweeping paws and curled tails sculpted in left- and right-facing mirrored poses.
Features:
Authentic artisan hand-carved solid wood construction
Signed in calligraphy on the base of the foot: 蔡璟燮 (Chae Kyung-seop)
Inspired by traditional Korean Joseon Minhwa folk art
Depicts guardian tigers with humorous, protective facial expressions and flame-pattern tails
Complementary facing pair (left and right)
Condition:
Very good vintage pre-owned condition with rich original painted pigments.
Displays honest light surface handling wear typical of hand-carved folk art, including a small flea-bite paint fleck at the tip of one ear showing bare wood beneath (clearly highlighted in the close-up photo).
Structurally sound with solid tails, stable bases, and no cracks or repairs. Please review all photos for exact cosmetic condition.
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