Artwork Page for Wild Geese and Reeds

Details / Information for Wild Geese and Reeds

Wild Geese and Reeds

노안도 [蘆雁圖]

1392–1910

Korea, Joseon dynasty

(1392–1910)
Medium
Unmounted hanging scroll; ink on paper
Measurements
70.8 x 223.6 cm (27 7/8 x 88 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1915.631
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

Paintings that depict a peaceful image of migratory white-fronted geese descending to a river bank where tall reeds gently bend in the evening breeze were widely favored as birthday gifts, especially to elders: a homophone of the title Geese and Reeds means Aging Peacefully.

Description

In this hanging scroll, wild geese are portrayed engaging in different activities: descending to a marsh, gathering in flocks, and grazing on plants. In Korean paintings, images of geese and reeds serve as the symbol of peaceful senior life; a homophone of geese and reeds means aging peacefully.
A vertical hanging scroll in monochromatic black ink on weathered beige paper depicts wild geese among reeds. At the top, two geese fly in opposite directions, while a third descends with wings spread wide. Long, spindly reeds sweep from the right edge. Below, seven geese stand clustered together among low, spiky foliage. Small columns of calligraphy and a red seal mark the upper right against the stained, cracked paper.

Wild Geese and Reeds

1392–1910

Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)

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