Flowers, butterflies and frog - poster in a frame with a passe-partout

Our tip: this image goes well with Karpfen wird Drache and Schmetterlinge auf Traubenbaum.

What do we see in this work of art?

Printed on a matted poster, this artwork is one of the Chokhungdo (초충도, 草蟲圖). The name Chohungdo (image of grass and insects) is a Korean folk painting that combines grass, insects, amphibious lizards, etc. This is a painting depicting nature, the meaning of which is the desire for literary spirit, wealth, longevity and fertility. It is a broad subject, ranging from literary paintings to popular motifs, and is welcomed by all walks of life.

Many chochungdo were drawn in China's Namsong period (from 1127 to 1279). In Korea, many Chokhungdo are believed to have originated in this period, as many of the Chokhungdo remains of Shinsaimdang (1504 to 1551) date from the early Joseon Dynasty. In the 『Gaejawonhwajeon, 개자원화전, 芥子園畵傳』, detailed methods of super-faithful drawing are described, showing that it was very popular in the later generations.

In Chokhungdo mainly cucumbers, pumpkins, grapes, eggplants, bluebells, cockscombs, cherry blossoms, cones, poppies, wild herbs, hydrangeas, yellow and white chrysanthemums, wild flowers, frogs, toads, dragonflies, bees and the twilight. Grass and worms are often found near butterflies, chicks, fireflies, cicadas, lizards, hedgehogs, bats and weasels. Hwajodo consists of tall trees, flowers, birds, etc. In contrast, Chochungdo contains small grasses and flowers of perennial plants and small insects that live in close symbiosis with each other.

The overview of the Chochungdo method, which goes by the name 『Gaejawonhwajeon, 개자원화전, 芥子園畵傳』, is as follows: “To draw a grass worm, vivid movements of flying and running must be well expressed. The shape of the grassworm can be long, short, large and small, and its color changes from time to time. In summer, when the grass and trees are growing, the color of the insects should be green, and in autumn, when the grass and trees are colored, it should be dull. Grassworms are usually drawn with dots, with the ghost having to appear first. While the heads of grass worms are drawn first, the wings of butterflies are first drawn. In order for the flowers to shine more colorfully, butterflies must be depicted in their surroundings. The wart is a small insect, and yet it must be painted with dignity. Therefore, grassworms are only very small creatures, but their form and spirit must be sufficiently expressed to bring out the meaning of thrill”.

Where can this mural hang?

This painting "Flowers, Butterflies and Frog" by Misun Kim, printed on the framed poster with passepartout, is a real feast for the eyes for friends of flora and fauna who are also looking for something unusual. The round shape and style bring a distinctive Asian/Korean look. We recommend hanging the picture in a living room or in the dining room, where it is guaranteed to attract attention.

quality of image resolution 

Original image size: 30 x 30 cm

Those

• Originaltitel: Chochungdo (Chochungdo)
• Artist: Misun Kim (South Korea)
• Datum: 2018
• Format: painted on the traditional Korean paper
• Size: 30 x 30 cm
• Genre: Korean folk painting (Minhwa, 민화)