Wild Geese and Reed

In the Joseon dynasty, the crane was regarded as a symbol of longevity and was sometimes referred to as seongaek (仙客), meaning "immortal guest." Cranes were often depicted alongside the peach tree of the immortal realm, with the peach believed to be a mystical fruit that bloomed only once every 3,000 years. Consuming this fruit was thought to grant eternal life. In this painting, the crane is depicted with a white body, black tail feathers, a black neck, a red crown, and a yellow-green beak, embodying the typical appearance of a crane from the immortal world. This portrayal not only symbolizes longevity but also vividly evokes the atmosphere of the immortal realm.