Phoenix-shaped Ornament for Funeral Bier
Korean
Description
Phoenix-shaped
ornament for funeral bier
Korea, late 19th to early 20th
century
Painted wood
Gift and partial purchase from
Bruce and Inta Hasenkamp,
purchase with funds from
Elder and Mrs Sang-Yong
Nam, 2021/1.163
These ornaments (kkokdu or kokdu) were once
attached to a funeral bier (the platform used to
transport a coffin to a burial place). In Korea, the
funeral ceremony was considered the start of a
journey for the departed. The bier was decorated
with colorful wooden ornaments depicting
forms ranging from human figures to mystical
animals such as the dragon and phoenix
depicted here. They are meant to protect and
entertain the deceased, convey wishes for a
peaceful afterlife, and console mourners.
Displayed alongside Dragon-shaped Ornament for Funeral Bier (2021/1.162)
(Korean Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)
Subject Matter:
The phoenix, also called the Fenghuang, is a symbol of virtue, grace, and balance. It is often paired with the dragon, for the phoenix represents the female and the dragon represents the male, serving as a symbol of harmony.
Physical Description:
An ornament in the shape of a colorful bird, cut out of a single piece of wood and painted on both sides. A piece of bamboo has been nailed to the wing so that it could be inserted into a hole on the funeral bier. The bird has a blue face with green, white, red, orange, and yellow colorations over the body.
This funeral bier ornament is made of a piece of wooden panel cut into the shape of a mythical bird called bonghwang and painted on both sides. A piece of bamboo has been nailed to its wing for insertion into a hole on the funeral bier. The species of the wood used is unknown.
[Korean Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art (2017), 218]
Usage Rights:
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