Artwork
Ladies making kimchi (pickled cabbage condiment)
Ladies making kimchi (pickled cabbage condiment) is a paint painting by the Korean Minhwa artist Chŏng-Sam Ko. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work portrays three women engaged in the traditional preparation of kimchi beneath a persimmon tree in autumn.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays three women engaged in the traditional preparation of kimchi beneath a persimmon tree in autumn. Seasonal foliage and a variety of vegetables are arranged on a straw mat, creating a domestic scene that emphasizes collective labor and the ritual of food preservation.
Subject & Meaning
Two figures are dressed in Korean hanbok with rolled sleeves and aprons, while the third wears a Western‑style outfit; all have hair bound with colorful scarves. Their coordinated gestures and shared tools suggest a communal activity, highlighting the social dimension of kimchi‑making as a seasonal rite.
Technique & Style
Rendered in paint, the composition balances interior and exterior space, with bright red chili peppers hanging from a branch visible through the window. The palette combines earthy tones of the autumn setting with vivid accents from the women’s clothing and the fresh produce, conveying both realism and a gentle narrative tone.
History & Provenance
The painting is attributed to Korean artist Ko Chŏng‑Sam, known for depicting everyday life and cultural practices. It remains part of a collection that documents Korean domestic customs, though specific acquisition details are not recorded in the available sources.
Context
Kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, is traditionally prepared in late autumn to ensure food supplies through winter. The inclusion of jars, chopping boards, and seasoning containers reflects the practical aspects of the process, situating the work within the broader context of Korean seasonal rituals.
Artist & collection
Artist
Chŏng-Sam Ko painted everyday Korean life in bright, flat colors that feel like a snapshot of the 2000s.
