Introducing the Ten Symbols of Longevity.

The Ten Symbols of Longevity (십장생, Sipjangsaeng) refer to ten natural objects, animals, and plants that symbolize immortality and eternal youth. They are traditional Korean symbols passed down through generations, combining Taoist ideals of paradise with folk beliefs wishing for long life and good health. The earliest representative document is considered to be the record in "Mogeunjip," the collected works of Yi Saek (이색) from the late Goryeo Dynasty, which recites a poem about "water (水), stone (石), pine (松), bamboo (竹), ganoderma lucidum (芝), sun (日), moon (月), turtle (龜), crane (鶴), and deer (鹿)." Later, during the Joseon Dynasty, these ten motifs became standardized and were widely used in folding screens (Sipjangsaengdo), ceramics, embroidery, and architectural decorations.