A pair of Chinese famille rose ‘four gentlemen’ bowls and covers 

Late Qing/Republic period

Each bowl and cover painted with the ‘Four Gentlemen’ (四君子 sìjūnzǐ): shoots of bamboo, a flowering prunus tree, sprays of orchids, and branches of chrysanthemums. 

10cm diameter (2). 

晚清/民國 粉彩繪‘四君子’圖紋對盌

‘Four gentlemen’ or ‘four noble ones’, in Chinese sijunzi 四君子, is the name that is given collectively to the four plants of prunus, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. A popular subject in painting, both of birds and flowers and of ink painting, since at least the Song dynasty, these plants are often depicted separately; when depicted together they represent the four seasons.

The plum blossom, representing winter, also symbolises endurance to adversity, as it blooms through ice to herald the spring. It also serves as a metaphor of inner beauty and humble display against adverse conditions. Growing on gnarled old branches, looking fresh and pure, plum blossoms can also symbolise vigour in old age.

The wild orchid, growing in inaccessible areas such as crevices in rocks overlooking rivers or streams, easily overlooked, are a symbol of spring, but also of virtue of simple beauty, in virtue of their looks but also of their subtle, yet persistent fragrance.

Bamboo, representing summer in this set, is a symbol of strength, both physical and mental, as it stands erect, but in the strongest of gales it bends and sways, but will not break. Its hollow trunk is also considered a symbol of humility. Together with prunus and pine, another evergreen, bamboo constitutes a different group, known as ‘the Three Friends of Winter’.

Chrysanthemum, beautiful and colourful, represents autumn. As it blooms in autumn when all other flowers are fading away, it symbolises the ability to withstand adversity. It is tranquil and harmonious with others, but also dignified and indomitable.