The pomegranate, packed with glistening seeds within its crimson casing, has long been a symbol of abundant offspring. The origins of this symbolism can be traced back to a story about King Andeok (Yanzong) found in the ‘Biography of Wei Shou’ within the ‘History of the Northern Dynasties’ (a record from the Chinese State of Qi). King Andeok’s new queen — the daughter of Li Zushou — was favored by the king for her graceful appearance. When the queen’s mother, Lady Song, presented two pomegranates to the king, he tossed them aside, puzzled as to why she had offered fruit that was too sour to eat. Li Zushou then explained, “The pomegranate is a fruit filled with many seeds; she offered them with the hope that your lineage would flourish.” In response, the king promoted Li Zushou and bestowed silk upon him. From then on, the pomegranate became known as a symbol of fertility; consequently, pomegranate patterns were embroidered onto wedding garments such as hwal-ot and wonsam to express the wish for many descendants — specifically sons.
In terms of design, the pomegranate’s vivid red hue takes center stage. It also possesses intriguing features, such as the small, translucent red seeds that seem ready to burst forth from within and the protruding calyx. I created a pattern based on the pomegranate tree, capturing the fruit exactly as it appears while hanging from the branches. I rendered the tree itself with a subtle touch in the background while intentionally depicting the fruit in a sensuous, vibrant color. By using contrasting light and dark tones — reminiscent of day and night — to create a shadowed backdrop, I allowed the fruit and select leaves to stand out brilliantly. I imbued the pomegranate with my heartfelt wishes, much like a sky lantern carrying hopes into the night or a lantern guiding the way through a dark mountain forest. Rendered with the clear, luminous quality of watercolor, the pomegranate appears to float auspiciously across the fabric, captivating both the eye and the heart.
* Pomegranate
