| The two simple-but-excellent mushindo [painting of a spirit used by a Manshin] above are more typical Shamanic types than the other more Buddhist-temple-type paintings on these pages. The Mountain-spirit rides on his tiger as if it were a horse, and no dongja-servants are present. The spirit on the left holds a typical white-crane-feather fan in his left hand while seeming to make a mudra [esoteric Buddhist hand-signal] with his right. The one on the right folds his hands over his tiger-rank-patch (worn by a royal minister), making it look like he is cradling a tiger-cub -- this is unique in my collection! Two magpies, symbols of good fortune and messengers from Heavenly spirits, speak down to the tiger from a pine-branch. |
