Myojakdo

"Myojakdo" is a captivating Korean painting by Byeon Sang-byeok, created during the later years of the Joseon Dynasty. This delightful piece features two cats and several sparrows perched on an ancient tree. It is a distinguished example of animal painting from that era. The artwork measures 93.7 cm in height and 42.9 cm in width, and it is rendered on silk using a technique that combines light coloring with ink and wash painting. For those interested in viewing it in person, it is housed in the collection of the National Museum of Korea in Seoul.

Byeon Sang-byeok was particularly skilled at painting cats and chickens, which earned him the nicknames "Byeon Goyangi" (Byeon Cat) and "Byeon Dak" (Byeon Rooster). "Myojakdo" highlights his affection for cats and his dedication to capturing their essence in his work. In Korean art, cats and sparrows are often symbols of longevity and good fortune. This is partly due to the homophony of the words for "cat" (myo) and "sparrow" (jak) in Sino-Korean with words meaning "old person" and "magpie" both considered auspicious in Korean culture.

In "Myojakdo" the animals are portrayed with realistic detail in a dynamic yet understated composition. Byeon's skill is evident in the intricate brushstrokes that bring the sparrows and the cats to life. One cat sits on the tree, making eye contact with another cat on the ground, which creates a sense of interaction between them. The ancient tree itself is depicted with wild, textured brushstrokes, emphasizing its age and character. The contrast between the lively animals and the rugged tree adds a sense of movement and depth to the painting.