Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 8
January 2, 2008 (Wed) - January 27, 2008 (Sun)
This New Year's display of Chinese paintings features works with auspicious symbols appropriate for this time of year. Pine trees and bamboo remain green even in severe cold weather, and fragrant plum blossoms bloom earlier than any other flower. In China, they were called Three Friends of Winter, and likened to people who can control themselves with unwavering will in a harsh environment. Bamboo and plum trees were joined with orchids and chrysanthemums and known as the Four Noble Plants, which signified a secluded life free from secularity.
The Three Friends of Winter were also associated with various worldly wishes of the Chinese; pine trees with longevity, bamboo with peace and many prosperous descendents, and the plum tree with easy childbirth and many prosperous descendants. Other motifs from Chinese flower and bird paintings also have various meanings. Paintings with these motifs have been popular among the Chinese people and viewed as auspicious pictures.