The Four Noble Plants in Korean Art
The plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo. The four noble plants represent the cycle of the four seasons (the plum blossom for winter, the orchid for spring, the bamboo for summer, and the chrysanthemum for autumn) and symbolize Confucian traits such as purity, humility, and perseverance.
The four noble plants originated in Chinese art during the Song dynasty (960-1279). In the 15th century, the four noble plants expanded into Korean painting. While drawing and painting the four noble plants, scholars and nobility focused on the plants’ characteristics, reflecting on their lives, bodies, and minds.
The plum blossom (매화) blooms between late winter and early spring. After surviving the harsh winter, its beautiful appearance in snowy weather epitomizes perseverance and hope. A fragrant and elegant plant, the orchid (난초) is often characterized as a feminine beauty and is associated with integrity. The chrysanthemum (국화) blossoms in late autumn, persisting through the first frost. Compared to a noble scholar, the chrysanthemum appears on many ceramics such as Goryeo porcelain. Finally, bamboo (대나무) is an evergreen plant that continues to grow straight and tall throughout the year. Because of these traits, bamboo is described as the spirit of an unyielding and firm governor.
The Korean American Youth Artists of Texas art branch is currently learning how to draw and paint the four noble plants under the instruction of Ms. Jin Lee. We hope this new branch of our organization creates a cultural and generational bridge between the past and present, preserving the beautiful traditions of Korean art.
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