Butterflies on grape tree - artwork

What do we see in this work of art?

This painting is one of the Chokhungdo (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 vast subject ranging from literary paintings to popular images and is recognized by all walks of life.

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.

The overview of the Chochungdo method presented at 『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 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 cloudy. Grass worms are usually drawn with dots, with the ghost first While the heads of the grassworms are drawn first, the wings of the butterflies have to be depicted in their surroundings so that the flowers shine more colorfully “Therefore, grass worms are very small creatures, but their form and spirit must be sufficiently expressed to bring out the meaning of the thrill.”

Butterflies on grape tree at the exhibition

Where can this original work of art hang?

The artwork “Butterflies on Grape Tree” by Misun Kim radiates something very special with its lively scenery and unmistakably Asian style. The round shape is not found everywhere and attracts the attention of viewers. We recommend hanging this work in the office or in a waiting room.

Details about this painting

• Original title: Chochungdo (초충도)
• Artist: Misun Kim  (South Korea)
• Datum: 2018
• Format: painted on our own Korean paper
• Size: 30 x 30 cm
• Genre: Korean Folk Painting (Minhwa, 민화) 

Do you want to try this work of art at home?

In order to avoid unnecessary costs and inconveniences, we recommend that you first purchase a poster of the work. This way you can judge for yourself whether the image suits you.

Our tip: this image goes well with Carp becomes Dragon and Flowers, Butterflies and Frog.