The Three Friends and the Four Noble Ones Flowers and Trees by Literati Artists
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Orchids and Bamboo (detail), By Wen Zhengming, Ming dynasty, 16th century, Gift of Mr. Aoyama San'u
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
May 24, 2022 (Tue) - June 26, 2022 (Sun)Pine trees and bamboo that remain green in the bitter cold, plum trees that bloom in early spring, chrysanthemums that bloom in late autumn, and orchids that emit an elegant fragrance unseen by the public have been viewed as virtuous sovereigns who do not lose their composure even under difficult circumstances. Pine, bamboo, and plum trees are called the Three Friends of Winter, and bamboo, plums, chrysanthemums, and orchids are called the Four Noble Ones. They are both popular subjects in ink paintings in which artists fully demonstrated the beauty of ink and the brush. This exhibition introduces paintings of the Ming and Qing dynasties depicting the Three Friends and Four Noble Ones.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Old Pine Tree | By Jin Shi (dates unknown), China | Ming dynasty, 1458 | TA-280 | |||
| Highlight | Plum Blossoms | Hanging scroll | By Chen Lu (dates unknown), China | Ming dynasty, 1446 | Gift of Mr. Ichikawa Sanken, TA-22 | ||
| Highlight | Orchids and Bamboo | Hanging scroll | By Wen Zhengming (1470–1559), China | Ming dynasty, 16th century | Gift of Mr. Aoyama San'u, TA-654 | ||
| Highlight | Flowering Plants | By Xu Sanyi (dates unknown), China | Qing dynasty, 1745 | TA-287 |