{"product_id":"antique-korean-art-3","title":"WOODEN A-UN LION FIGURES, Pair, Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897 CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pair of wooden A-un lion figures from the Joseon Dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pair of wooden lion figures with the forelegs thrust forward and the body held low in a crouch. The Agyo figure has its mouth open; the Ungyo figure has its mouth closed. Both present a horizontally elongated body with a large head, the forelegs, torso, and tail rendered in broad planes. Dimensions: Agyo — width 14cm, depth 32.5cm, height 19cm; Ungyo — width 14cm, depth 32cm, height 19.5cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe open-mouthed figure presents a face with a wide-open mouth, a rounded, prominent nose tip and a heavy jaw. The eyes are set deeply, the mane is formed of bead-like curls, and the forelegs extend powerfully forward. The closed-mouthed figure, by contrast, shows a composed expression with the mouth shut, and the carving around the brows, nose and mouth retains a more pronounced three-dimensional quality. The expressions differ between left and right, and seen together as a pair the contrast between open and closed is clearly evident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is elongated, and fine chisel marks running with the grain remain along the back. The toes of the forelegs, tail, mane, and ears are simply carved, yet strong incised lines at key points effectively capture the lion’s form. This is not a smoothly finished, realistic sculpture but a vernacular wood carving in which the character of a guardian beast is emphasized. The rough wood surface, broad chamfers, and remaining chisel marks directly contribute to the figure’s presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Joseon woodcarving, one finds guardian beasts—lions, tigers, and dragons—used in temples, shrines, and sites of popular devotion. This example, too, is formed less as a finely finished carving than as a figure that safeguards its setting with a forceful expression and a low, crouching pose. The broadly splayed forelegs, the proportions that emphasize the head, and the elongated body convey a rustic vigor characteristic of Joseon woodcarving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is thoroughly dried and shows overall shrinkage, surface abrasion, insect damage, cracks, and losses. Around the faces and manes there are accretions resembling soil or old fills, and in places there are darkened, sunken areas contrasted with sections where the bare wood appears lighter. The Agyō figure exhibits pronounced wear around the face, while the Ungyō figure has a crack extending from the head into the torso. The legs and tails are also damaged, but the pair retains its overall form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA matched pair of A-un wooden lion figures from the Joseon dynasty. The dry patina of the aged wood, the bold, unadorned carving, and the differing expressions on the left and right are all well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ROCANIIRU COLLECTION","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52903018987801,"sku":null,"price":125760000.0,"currency_code":"VND","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0688\/9911\/1193\/files\/20260728768.jpg?v=1785222441","url":"https:\/\/rcnir.com\/en-vn\/products\/antique-korean-art-3","provider":"入蘆花（ロカニイル）","version":"1.0","type":"link"}