A painting of a mountain deity, SanshinJoseon dynasty, 19th century
Mounted as a hanging scroll; the brightly colored image depicting the deity seated with right leg crossed holding a feather fan in his right hand and a lingzhi in the other, wearing bright red robe edged in green and with blue, yellow and white undergarments, a friendly tiger rubbing up against the deity to his right side and a
youthful male attendant to the other holding an offering of fruit on a dish, the backdrop formed by a waterfall, jagged rockwork, pine and clouds with a deep azure blue sky peeking through to one
side, slightly reduced at top and bottom edge.
44 x 35 1/2in (111.8 x 90.2cm)注脚The Mountain Spirit (Sansin or Sanshin), Korea's most important indigenous deity, personifies the veneration of mountains, also manifested by the powerful tiger that accompanies him. The Mountain Spirit is considered a protector of Buddhism and most Korean Buddhist temple complexes include a shrine dedicated to him. The Mountain Spirit gained popularity especially in the late Joseon period for his abilities to bestow such blessings as sons and wealth, peace and harmony. For an eighteenth century example of similar type, see The Johnson Museum Of Art, Cornell University, acquired through the George and Mary Rockwell Fund, inventory no. 99.067.001, and illustrated on the University Museum web site. Other examples can be found at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum of Art.