Base for Temple Object

ca. 17th century

The interiors of traditional Korean temples and palaces are elaborately decorated, with intricately carved wood furnishings covered in colorful paint. This pair of candlesticks most likely flanked a Buddhist altar, while the turtle originally served as the base for a drum or gong, or perhaps for a large representation of a Buddhist emblem. Alternatively, it is possible that these objects came from a palace interior, because their symbolism is not necessarily Buddhist. Dragons are a lucky emblem, associated with water and especially rain, which is why they are often shown flying through swirling clouds, while turtles represent long life.