Flowers, butterflies and frog - poster in frame

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 framed poster, this painting is one of the Chohungdo (초충도, 草蟲圖). Chokhungdo (Picture of Grass and Insects) is a Korean folk painting with a combination of grass, insects, amphibious lizards, etc., each with its own meaning. 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 images and is appreciated by all walks of life.

Many chochungdo were drawn in China's Namsong period (from 1127 to 1279). In Korea, many Chochungdo are believed to date from this period, as many of the Shinsaimdang (1504 to 1551) Chochungdo remains date back to the beginning of the 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.

The elements mainly found in Chokhungdo are cucumbers, pumpkins, grapes, eggplants, bluebells, cockscombs, cherry blossoms, cones, poppies, wild herbs, hydrangeas, yellow and white chrysanthemums, dusk, wild flowers, frogs, toads, dragonflies and bees. Grass and worms are often found near butterflies, chicks, fireflies, cicadas, lizards, hedgehogs, bats and weasels. Hwajodo is composed of tall trees, flowers, birds etc. while Chokhungdo is composed of small grasses and flowers of perennial  plants and small insects that live in close relationship with each other.

An overview of the Chochungdo method is presented under the name 『Gaejawonhwajeon, 개자원화전, 芥子園畵傳』. This is as follows: "To draw a grass worm, vivid movements of flying and running must be well expressed. The shape of the grass worm can be long, short, large and small, and its color changes from time to time. In summer when the grass and trees grow, the color of the insects should be green, and in the fall, when the grass and trees are colored, it should be cloudy. Grass worms are usually drawn with dots, the ghost must appear first grass worms The heads of the butterflies are drawn first, and the wings of the butterflies need to be depicted in their surroundings. The wart is a small insect, and yet it needs to be painted with dignity very small creatures, but their form and spirit must be sufficiently expressed to bring out the meaning of the thrill”.

Where can this mural hang?

The artwork “Flowers, Butterflies and Frog” by Misun Kim printed on the poster 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

• Original title: Chochungdo (초충도)
• 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)