The most noted painter of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) was Zheng Suonan whose paintings implied definite connotations. The orchids he painted were never with roots, as if floating in the air, which manifested Zheng’s feeling of homelessness with the downfall of the Song Dynasty.

The painting of orchids and bamboos by Zheng Banqiao from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

The excellent orchid painter of the Qing Dynasty was Zheng Banqiao who attached great importance on the nature of orchids. He had a preference for painting wild orchids; he once planted potted orchids by himself and transplanted them in the mountain after spring with the expectation of them growing naturally.

Bamboo

In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo is a metaphor of vitality and longevity, which usually relates to man who has exemplary conduct and nobility of character.

There is a beautiful myth about bamboo. In remote ancient times, two of the emperor Shun’s concubines were very sad over Shun’s death and cried all day long; finally they committed suicide by drowning themselves in the river. The concubines’ tears shed onto the bamboo forming some mottles on them, which were called mottled bamboos in later generations.