Persimmon - Seong Harim - 4F - 2019 (Private Collection)
Today we are looking at Persimmon, a 2019 painting by Seong Harim, now held in a private collection.
At first glance, the painting appears simple. A single persimmon rests on a table illuminated by warm sunlight. But if you look more carefully, that table is also the sky. Is the fruit resting on a table, or is it floating through the heavens? This dreamlike composition creates a surreal atmosphere where still life and landscape exist together.
Why did the artist paint it this way?
Seong Harim's paintings are filled with symbols rather than literal descriptions. Every object carries meaning, inviting the viewer to read the painting like a visual poem.
The persimmon placed upon the table represents the fruits of honest work entering one's home. It symbolizes the hope that the results of our efforts will become the prosperity of our family. At the same time, the floating persimmon receives the warm energy of the red sun, suggesting that blessings from heaven help every achievement mature to its fullest. The glowing sky drives away darkness while welcoming good fortune, happiness, and positive energy.
There is another hidden message. The round shape of both the sun and the persimmon resembles the number eight. In East Asian symbolism, this shape is associated with growth, prosperity, and wealth. Two circles coming together also suggest endless abundance and lasting happiness.
The bright red color of the persimmon represents autumn, harvest, fulfillment, and success. In Chinese characters, the word for persimmon, 柹, shares its pronunciation with the character for "affairs" or "work." Because of this, the fruit has long symbolized successful business, completed projects, important documents, new opportunities, and even unexpected good fortune.
From a tiny seed to a blossoming flower, from fruit to full ripeness and finally arriving on the family table, every step reflects the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. Through this quiet image, Seong Harim reminds us that true prosperity grows from patience, gratitude, and blessings received throughout life's journey.
#SeongHarim #Persimmon #PrivateCollection #KoreanArt #ContemporaryArt #Symbolism #StillLife #MongrimdangGallery
At first glance, the painting appears simple. A single persimmon rests on a table illuminated by warm sunlight. But if you look more carefully, that table is also the sky. Is the fruit resting on a table, or is it floating through the heavens? This dreamlike composition creates a surreal atmosphere where still life and landscape exist together.
Why did the artist paint it this way?
Seong Harim's paintings are filled with symbols rather than literal descriptions. Every object carries meaning, inviting the viewer to read the painting like a visual poem.
The persimmon placed upon the table represents the fruits of honest work entering one's home. It symbolizes the hope that the results of our efforts will become the prosperity of our family. At the same time, the floating persimmon receives the warm energy of the red sun, suggesting that blessings from heaven help every achievement mature to its fullest. The glowing sky drives away darkness while welcoming good fortune, happiness, and positive energy.
There is another hidden message. The round shape of both the sun and the persimmon resembles the number eight. In East Asian symbolism, this shape is associated with growth, prosperity, and wealth. Two circles coming together also suggest endless abundance and lasting happiness.
The bright red color of the persimmon represents autumn, harvest, fulfillment, and success. In Chinese characters, the word for persimmon, 柹, shares its pronunciation with the character for "affairs" or "work." Because of this, the fruit has long symbolized successful business, completed projects, important documents, new opportunities, and even unexpected good fortune.
From a tiny seed to a blossoming flower, from fruit to full ripeness and finally arriving on the family table, every step reflects the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. Through this quiet image, Seong Harim reminds us that true prosperity grows from patience, gratitude, and blessings received throughout life's journey.
#SeongHarim #Persimmon #PrivateCollection #KoreanArt #ContemporaryArt #Symbolism #StillLife #MongrimdangGallery
