Xieyi Dan Shi

Author: Ren Hengquan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Persimmons are the fruits of a plant tree, originally from China, widely distributed in various regions, with a long history of cultivation spanning over a thousand years. They were introduced to major global producers such as Japan, South Korea, and Brazil long ago. The Qimin Yaoshu (Essential Techniques for Farming and Household Management) records that small persimmons resemble small apricots, and the flavor of soft persimmons is similar to that of persimmons. The soft persimmons from Jinyang have fine and thick flesh, making them a tribute to the emperor. Since ancient times, there have been customs in some parts of China involving eating persimmons, symbolizing the wish for everything to go well. Persimmons have long been a subject in traditional Chinese flower-and-bird paintings. The red persimmon symbolizes celebration and auspiciousness. Many famous painters throughout the dynasties have depicted them, such as the Song Dynasty master Fa Chang and the Qing Dynasty master Yang Jin. Their painting styles include freehand ink wash, double-line, and meticulous brushwork, each with distinct characteristics. Persimmons are large and flat-round, commonly known as "grinding stone persimmons," hence the praise "jade plate dew, lingering fragrance after biting." In autumn, when the fruits ripen and the leaves fall, the entire tree is covered in bright red, creating a vibrant and beautiful sight, earning the name "September persimmons, red as fire." Generations of poets have left behind many famous verses about them. The Song Dynasty poet Lu You wrote, "Gardens at dusk are lit by bright red persimmons, fences at the first chill are draped with green vines." The Song Dynasty poet Lin Bu described them vividly in his verse, "Steep ladders gather red persimmons at twilight, straight nets catch white fish in the cold stream. Stone covered in moss, wild fields are clean, fence shadows with chickens and dogs among bamboo thickets." Many renowned painters often used persimmons to convey auspicious phrases like "three generations of purity" and "four generations under one roof."