Four Gentlemen

Ever wonder why we celebrate Autumn with bright chrysanthemums?

Today's post is about art and flowers!

Today I wanted to talk about two things I love...art and flowers.
In Chinese Art chrysanthemums are part of what is known as "The Four Gentlemen" or "The Four Noble Ones". They are one of four plants used to mark the seasons. The other three are: Plum blossom, the orchid and the bamboo. You will find these plants in traditional ink and wash painting from the beautiful 'bird and flower' paining category of Chinese Art in most museums or collections.

Love this style!

These plants have been depicted since the time of the Song Dynasty (960–1279) because of their refined beauty, and were later adopted in other parts of East Asia by artists in Japan and Korea.

(Plum blossoms)

These colorful plants represent the four different seasons (the plum blossom for winter, the orchid for spring, the bamboo for summer, and the chrysanthemum for autumn). The four are used to mark the seasons through the year in art and decorating.

Orchids for Spring. (I'm still not happy with the placement of this table.)

(Bamboo for summer.)

And chrysanthemums for autumn.

Now you know the story of  the "Four Gentlemen" and why we are drawn to these colorful flowers. 
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​Do you have any art or arraignments featuring these refined plants?