Description "The Bird That Paints" is a picture book about dancheong, the beautifully colored patterns painted on temples and palaces. Dancheong not only protects buildings from insects and the elements but also gives structures a magnificent and beautiful appearance through vivid colors and patterns. Based on a legend connected to the dancheong of the Main Hall (Daeungjeon) at Naesosa Temple, this book naturally introduces readers to the vibrant five-directional colors of dancheong, its many patterns, and the purpose and process of its application, all through a beautiful story and illustrations. A Dancheong Story That Neither Human Nor Bird Could Finish At the quiet and serene Naesosa Temple in Buan, North Jeolla Province—famous for its flower-patterned lattice doors—several legends have been passed down about the temple's founding. "The Bird That Paints" draws its story from the legend behind the dancheong of Naesosa's Main Hall. In the tale, a heavenly bird called Garuda-bingga transforms into a woman and visits a hermitage to repay the monk who once saved her life, offering to paint the dancheong of the Buddhist hall. She asks the monk to promise not to look inside the hall while she works, but overcome by curiosity, he breaks his promise—and the bird flies away before the dancheong is complete. This poignant tale tells of a mystical bird from paradise whose dancheong was left unfinished because of human curiosity, a piece of artwork that neither human hands nor bird could complete. A Dancheong Picture Book Painted in the Beautiful Five Directional Colors This book captures the mysterious process of a temple hall's dancheong coming to life, allowing readers to experience its beauty in a fresh way. The basic colors of dancheong—yellow, red, blue, black, and white, known as the five directional colors—are used throughout the illustrations of "The Bird That Paints," rendered with the artist's meticulous touch. Readers will also become familiar with the many dancheong patterns inspired by natural forms and geometric shapes. The book's accompanying notes offer a detailed look at the function and types of dancheong, which both beautifully decorates buildings with colorful patterns and helps preserve them from insects and weather over time, as well as the history of Korean dancheong, its colors and pigments, painting techniques, and various patterns. The Beauty of Korean Dancheong The dancheong of the Main Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, retains its original appearance from when the building was first constructed in the early Joseon dynasty. The dancheong of the Main Hall at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, uses vivid colors and gold leaf to convey a sense of grandeur. Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, North Jeolla Province, is famous for its beautiful dancheong murals. Myeongjeongjeon Hall at Changgyeonggung Palace preserves the dignified look of traditional dancheong, while the phoenix painting on the ceiling of Injeongjeon Hall at Changdeokgung Palace showcases the authoritative patterns and colors characteristic of palace dancheong. Beautiful examples of Korean dancheong can be found at many other temples and palaces as well. "The Bird That Paints" invites readers to newly appreciate the delicate beauty of the five-colored dancheong adorning the walls, pillars, ceilings, and eaves of old buildings that we often pass by without a second glance. Story Summary Once upon a time, deep in the mountains, a monk lived alone, tending a small temple. One day, he rescued a bird caught in a thornbush. A few days later, during a heavy rainstorm, a young woman arrived at the temple and asked to stay the night. Noticing that the Buddhist hall had insect holes because its dancheong had never been painted, she felt sorry for it. The monk told her the story of the great master who had built the temple with great devotion but passed away before finishing its dancheong. The woman offered to paint the dancheong herself, asking the monk to promise never to look inside the hall while she worked. She went into the hall, and days later emerged looking exhausted. Each time she went in and came out, a little more of the dancheong was completed—but the monk's curiosity grew stronger and stronger. Even after returning from a long alms-gathering journey, he found she still hadn't come out of the hall. Unable to resist his curiosity any longer, he finally peeked inside...