In ancient China, people called a man of great virtue a gentleman.
In the world of flowers plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemums are known as the four gentlemen in China because these plants’ natural character have something in common with human virtues.
They have all long been featured in ancient paintings and poems used to express loftiness, righteousness, modesty and purity by Chinese literati.
Plum blossoms
Plum blossoms are cold-resistant flowers that bloom in early spring and together with pine and bamboo they are reputed as the “three friends in winter”.
According to historical records, plum blossoms appeared on drawing paper as early as the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-581).
Painting plum blossoms came into vogue by the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); at that time, the most famous painter was the Buddhist monk Zhong Ren who created a unique way of drawing with Chinese ink, controlling its shades to give a very active appearance.
Print
Save