Figure Item Number: 3327/7 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Pair of wooden phoenix figures (a-b) or kkokdu (꼭두), carved and painted. Each depicts a phoenix from the neck upwards. One phoenix (part a) has a yellow neck with black scales and red dots, and a red band down its back. The other (part b) has a green neck with red scales and red and yellow dots. Extending from both heads are a large red comb and wattle. A hole is drilled through each black beak. The eyes are black and almond-shaped, within a yellow fish-shaped area. Mounted on a two-tiered wood base.

Specific Techniques

These contemporary kkokdu are based on old designs. The artists used old wood and stain/dust known as "Tae" to make them look older. The colouring is called "dancheong", and the natural pigment used was extracted from powdered stone and shell.