Kwak Bok-hee’s embroidered work Tiger and Magpies reinterprets the traditional Korean minhwa motif of kkachi horangi (the magpie and tiger) through meticulous needlework. In Korean folk painting, the tiger—often depicted as a clumsy yet powerful guardian—is paired with magpies, symbolic messengers of good fortune.

 

In this piece, the tiger is rendered with vibrant threads, its expressive eyes and exaggerated features capturing both dignity and humor. The surrounding pine tree, a symbol of resilience and longevity, provides a natural setting, while the vivid blue magpies bring balance and liveliness to the composition.

 

By transforming this classic folk subject into the medium of embroidery, Kwak bridges tradition and contemporary craft, imbuing the work with tactile richness and layered cultural meaning. The interplay of texture, color, and symbolism celebrates Korea’s heritage while offering a fresh perspective on a beloved image of protection and prosperity.

 

 

 

 

b. 1951

Bok-hee Kwak is a Korean embroidery artist and the designated apprentice of  Yoo-hyun Choi, holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 80 (Korean Embroidery). As director of the Traditional Embroidery Culture Center since 2017, she has been committed to preserving and advancing the heritage of Korean embroidery through teaching, creation, and cultural exchange. Her works, distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship and refined reinterpretations of traditional motifs, have been showcased in major exhibitions and commissions, including projects for the Sulwhasoo flagship store and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sweden. Exhibiting both in Korea and internationally, Kwak has received numerous awards recognizing her artistry, ensuring that the delicate beauty and cultural depth of Korean embroidery continue to resonate in contemporary contexts.

 

 

Plum Blossoms on a Ten-panel Embroidered Screen at Sulhwasu Spa, Myungdong Lotte Hotel, 2018