By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young
Jujak-do is a symbolic painting that is considered one of the four immortal birds that guard the south in East Asian cultures, including ancient China and Korea.
Jujak is depicted in the form of a red bird, reminiscent of a red phoenix, peacock, or phoenix, and is usually depicted as a male-female pair. The painting is not just a beautiful representation of a bird, but also symbolizes the order of the universe and carries a deeper meaning that is linked to the principles of nature.
Symbols and roles
Jujak symbolizes fire in the Five Elements of Principles, and represents summer, the south, and the color red. It is not just a guardian spirit, but a very wise being, and is believed to preside over science, trials, and judgment.
It is also the head of the 360 species of flying beasts, showing its majesty. The figure of Jujak is both sacred and wise, and its elegance symbolizes its status as a noble being.
Jujak in legendary
According to legend, when a phoenix awakens to the Tao, its feathers turn red and it transforms into Jujak. It is described as a sacred bird that cries with a beautiful sound of five colors and is very selective about what it eats and where it sits.
These legends reveal that Jujak has a mystical character that goes beyond its mere natural existence. As an immortal being, it is a symbol of transcending life, and its red color signifies vitality and regeneration.
Historical significance of Jujak
Jujak-do is a symbol often found in ancient murals and tombs, where it was often depicted as a guardian of the dead. In Goguryeo murals in particular, it is depicted in various forms dominating the southern sky, emphasizing its image as an immortal being that transcends death. More than just a mythical entity, Jujak was seen as an important medium for connecting humans with nature and the universe.
Jujak of the modern times
Today, the symbolism of Jujak is still emphasized in art and literature, and it appears in various works as a symbol of immortality and rebirth. The image of the red-colored Jujak continues to be used in modern culture as a symbol of nobility and elegance, especially in fantasy literature and art.
Jujak-do is not just a painting, but a symbolic work that harmonizes the laws of nature, human wisdom, and cosmic principles. This red bird is timeless and inspires deep emotion and awe in many people.
Exhibitions and Awards of Cheongmok Kim Hwan-kyung
1961 Joined lacquer woodworking studio
1976 Established Chaehwa Lacquerware Institute (Naedang Studio)
1979 Traveling exchange exhibition of Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese lacquerware artists
1986 The 1st Solo Exhibition of Color Lacquerware (Museum of Contemporary Art)
1989 Won the Grand Prize in the Contemporary Art Exhibition (Vase entry)
1992 Judge of the 22nd National Crafts Competition
1993 Jury member of the 4th Korea Lacquerware Competition International Ishigawa Lacquerware Design Exhibition Silver Prize for Chaewha painting vase (Ishigawa Prize, Japan)
1996 Senior Vice President, Korea Najeon Lacquerware Protection Association
1997 China Lacquerware Exchange Exhibition (National Art Center, Beijing)
1998 Appointed as a member of the cultural product development committee for the 15th National Skill Competition for the Disabled, Najeon lacquerware jury
1999 Invited artist for the International Ishigawa Lacquerware Design Exhibition
Presented a gift of a chrysanthemum pattern work to Queen Elizabeth II of England on April 20 (LG Group)
Made murals and folding screens for Lotte Hotel, Jeju Island
2000 Senior Research Fellow, Hanyang University Traditional Art Center, Invited artist to the World Lacquer Culture Association
2000 Selected as a Korean Millennium Product in the 100 Best Crafts and Cultural Products
2001 UN Educator Award Invitational Exhibition (Lotte Jamsil Folk Art Museum) Special Invitational Exhibition (Museum of Contemporary Art)
2002 Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award for Crafts, Member of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Assessment
Invited artist to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Grand Prize in the Crafts Division of the 4th Korea National Arts Competition, Bush Presidential Champion Award
2003 Invited exhibition at the US Marine Corps Headquarters to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the US-ROK alliance
2003 Invited to the 1st International NGO Exhibition in Matoguros, Brazil
2004 Designated as Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Advisory Board Member of the Korean Craft Artists Association
2005 Special exhibition to commemorate the designation of Cheongmok Intangible Cultural Property (Lotte Museum of Art)
2006 Korea Culture and Arts Competition, Craft Division Grand Prize (Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Technology Award)
Honorary Citizenship Certificate of Appreciation, California, U.S.A., and Certificate of Merit, LA Korean Festival, U.S.A.
2008 Gyeonggi-do Skills Competition, Technical Jury Commissioner
2009 Gyeonggi-do Skills Competition (Najeon Chilgi)
2010 Jeonju Asia Pacific Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
Made a gift for the First Ladies of the G20 Summit
2011 Seoul Intangible Cultural Property Function Preservation Association Exhibition
Chairman of Cheongmok Cultural Foundation (current)
Director of the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee (current)
2024 Won Ambassador Awards at the Philippines, Peru International Exchange Exhibitions
