19th century

Ten Longevity Symbols

Despite this painting's title, the artist did not limit himself to depicting only ten symbols of long life. He instead focused on representative objects found in nature: the sun, clouds, water, rocks, mountains, pine trees, bamboo, fungus, turtles, cranes, and deer. All of these elements individually connote longevity throughout East Asia, but it was Korean artists who grouped them into ten, a number that means perfect and full in Asian culture. The rulers of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) were extremely fond of paintings with this subject, using them at various court events including weddings, birthdays, and celebrations of recovery from illness.