Archive for category Painting
Orchids
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Painting on February 22, 2011
Orchid is regarded as one of the Four Gentlemen in the world of flowers. Originally grown in deep mountain valleys, it symbolized elegance, beauty, modesty and purity in Chinese culture.
In ancient China, an orchid is always compared to the virtuous man the Confucius compared. Therefore, orchids can always be found in ancient Chinese paintings. They stood for the qualities of integrity, humility and refinement – even a perfectly cultured gentleman and scholar’s all virtues can be found in the orchids. Read the rest of this entry »
Plum Blossom
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Painting on January 14, 2011
The plum blossom is reputed as a member of the Four Gentlemen in the world of flowers, along with orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo.
It braves snow and frost to bloom in the cold winter when most plants have shed their leaves and most flowers have not bloomed yet. Therefore, it is regarded as the symbol of rebirth and growth. It is also admired for its resilience and perseverance in the face of diversity. Read the rest of this entry »
Chrysanthemum
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Painting on May 26, 2010
In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum, which blooms in late autumn and early winter, represents nobility and elegance. People believe that it stands for the man who maintains his virtue despite adversity and temptation as it flourishes in the cold days when all other flowers were fading away. Therefore, it was regarded as one of the four gentlemen in the world of flowers.
In ancient essays and poems, the terms “jade bone, icy body, pearl petal and red heart” was commonly found to describe this flower. In the eyes of Chinese scholars, it has an ideal personality, so it was favored by many Chinese scholars.
Sometimes, it is also a symbol for “getting together” as it has the same pronunciation of the Chinese word “ju”, which means getting together.
Bamboo
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Painting on February 26, 2010
In the world of plants, bamboo, together with plum blossom, orchids and chrysanthemum are called the Four Gentlemen or the four Noble Ones as they are believed to have something in common with human virtues. People believe that its deep root denotes resoluteness, its tall, straight stem represents honorability, its hollow interior modesty and its clean and spartan exterior exemplifies chastity.
Due to its characteristics, it has been highly favored by Chinese, especially the scholars. It can be commonly found in Chinese paintings and literary works.
When bamboo was placed in a fire it would create a loud crackling sound which was similar to firecrackers, therefore, in ancient times, it was always used to frighten away evil spirits, such as the mythical beast Nian.
Four Gentlemen in the World of Flowers
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Painting on November 8, 2009
In ancient China, a gentleman referred to a man of great virtue. In the world of flowers, plum blossom, orchids, bamboo and chrysanthemum are known as the Four Gentlemen, also called the four Noble Ones or Four Friends. It was believed that their natural characters had something in common with human virtues. Therefore, they have always been featured in ancient paintings and works to express the virtues of loftiness, righteousness, modesty and purity.
As early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279), they were used in the Chinese painting. Later, they were also adopted by the artists in Japan, Korea, etc. As they bloom in different seasons (the plum blossom blooms in spring, the orchid in summer, the chrysanthemum in autumn, and the bamboo in winter), they are also used to depict the unfolding of the seasons through the year.
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