Four Gentlemen - Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, Plum Blossom, Orchid

Four Gentlemen

The Four Gentleman or The Four Seasons:

(Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, Plum Blossom, Orchid)

Traditionally, artists learned the techniques and principles of Chinese painting is by copying works of masters. In this way the knowledge was passed from one generation of artists to the next. It is also customary for scholars to practice painting subjects known as The Four Gentleman or The Four Seasons (Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, Plum Blossom, and Orchid. By doing so the artists refined their skills while cultivated admirable qualities of character.

Bamboo - Gentle Strength (Summer)

A bamboo stands upright. It is flexible, bends with the wind, and maintains an upright position. It bounces back with the weight of snow but does not break. A bamboo remains strong, honest, and true to its principles. The bamboo represents summer, since it is abundant with growth during this season. It also symbolizes energy, vitality, nobility, and gentleness. The inside of a bamboo is hallow - conveying the tranquility of inner peace.

The Bamboo illustrates all the Chinese principles of composition in the simplest form. It can be on of the most difficult subjects to master and the most rewarding.

Chrysanthemum - Courage (Autumn)

Chrysanthemums are one of the last flowers to bloom each year. They maintain courage in face of cold winds and early snows and defiantly bloom in full color glory. The chrysanthemum reminds us that it is possible to triumph when the going gets tough and to be brave when faced with adversity.

Plum Blossom - Hope, Faith, and Undying Love (Winter)

A plum blossom may live for over 100 years. A plum blossom has a very old rugged trunk that resembles a dragon contrasted with delicate soft young blossoms. The plum blossom consistently returns each year and is the first flower to bloom. In the winter, when there is snow an the ground, the plum blossoms defies winter and blooms, symbolizing hope and faith for return of spring. Faithfully each year, the plum blossom displays its blossoms like a peacock parading its feathers to attract a mate, and therefore symbolizes undying love.

Orchid - Modesty, Beauty, and Purity (Spring)

Orchids were originally a somewhat secretive plant that the grew in remote locations and hid behind rocks. Today in China, orchids are cultivated into over 100 varieties. Orchids have small bright beautiful flowers almost hidden in blade like leaves. Orchids symbolize modesty, beauty, joy and purity.