National Palace Museum of Korea Unveils Korean-Style Christmas Tree
The Joseon Dynasty court painting of the Ten Symbols of Longevity, which symbolizes wishes for immortality, has been transformed into a Christmas tree.
On December 15, the National Palace Museum of Korea unveiled a Christmas tree decoration in the second-floor lobby, utilizing its collection of the Ten Symbols of Longevity painting. The tree features a majestic pine tree with red branches topped with snow, adorned with traditional ornaments such as ribbons, beoseon (traditional socks), lucky pouches, and norigae (Korean traditional ornaments). In front of the tree, a royal palanquin, reimagined as a sleigh, is displayed alongside a deer with a red-tinted nose.
The Ten Symbols of Longevity painting depicts motifs such as the sun, clouds, mountains, water, rocks, cranes, deer, turtles, pine trees, and the elixir plant, all of which symbolize immortality. Historical records indicate that the king would present this painting to high officials as a New Year's gift at the beginning of the year.
The tree will be on display until the end of January next year. A museum official stated, "We aimed to showcase the potential for modern applications of traditional culture," adding, "We plan to develop a variety of cultural products, including cards and interior decorations."
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