Have you ever come across the phrase back when tigers smoked ? This intriguing expression is not only found in Korean folklore but also used as a literary device in various cultures. While it may seem puzzling at first, it carries a deeper meaning that transports us to a different time and place. In this article, we will delve into the origins and symbolism behind this phrase, as well as its significance in Korean art and storytelling.
Unraveling the Meaning
The phrase back when tigers smoked is a Korean shorthand for once upon a time. It signifies a time from the ancient past, before humans existed, when tigers were believed to smoke long pipes. The image of a tiger smoking a pipe became a playful and whimsical symbol in Korean folklore.
It's worth noting that smoking pipes were a relatively recent introduction to East Asia, brought by Portuguese traders who introduced New World tobacco. The long pipe became a common sight in Korea, China, and Japan, and the tiger with a pipe was adopted as a folk image.
The Symbolism of Tigers and Magpies
The combination of tigers and magpies holds deep roots in Korean art history. Tigers symbolize strength, power, and protection, representing the deities of the mountains. On the other hand, magpies are seen as bringers of good news and positive thoughts about the future.
In Korean folklore, there is a fairy tale that ties these two symbols together. The story revolves around a tiger getting stuck in a mud puddle and a woodcutter trying to free it. The woodcutter is saved by a magpie, which suggests luring the tiger back into the mud puddle for safety. This tale highlights the opposing forces of the tiger and the magpie, with humanity caught in between.
On a decorative blue-and-white porcelain vase depicting a magpie and a tiger, we see a different portrayal of the tiger. This tiger has a smirk on its face, implying a sense of amusement rather than fierceness. The playful magpie is perched in a tree, out of the tiger's reach. This vase showcases a whimsical interaction between the two, capturing the essence of the phrase back when tigers smoked.
The Artistic Expression
The vase itself is a high-status decorative object made of porcelain, likely created for a high-status residence such as a palace, court, or temple. The style of the vase's cobalt decoration indicates that it was made during the 18th century, using a light and delicate blue shade that was popular at the time.
The brushwork on the vase reflects the influence of ink painting, which was popular in Korea during the 15th to 17th centuries. The artist skillfully applied the cobalt slip on the curved surface, creating a visually captivating representation of the magpie and tiger.
Interestingly, the vase features two tigers, each with slightly different markings on their chests. This is not an attempt to depict the same tiger at different points in the story. Instead, it is a result of the Korean tradition of avoiding empty spaces on decorated vases. The presence of two tigers fills the undecorated space on the other side of the vase, creating balance and harmony in the overall design.
The phrase back when tigers smoked serves as a literary device that transports us to a different world and time. Through its symbolism and artistic expression, it conveys a sense of whimsy and invites us to explore the rich folklore and cultural traditions of Korea.
Next time you encounter this intriguing phrase, remember the playful magpie and the smirking tiger, and let your imagination roam back to a time when tigers smoked long pipes in a world of their own.
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