Description
This painting represents three of the plants known as the Four Gentlemen of Chinese painting; it lacks only autumn’s chrysanthemum. The plants’ characteristics are symbols of Confucian virtues, such as open-mindedness (bamboo), strength in the face of adversity (plum), and humility (orchid).
Provenance
(Shogoro Yabumoto, Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1975); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1975–)
Accession Number
1975.93
Medium
hanging scroll; ink on silk
Dimensions
Painting only: 172.4 x 79 cm (67 7/8 x 31 1/8 in.); Including mounting: 252.7 x 105.4 cm (99 1/2 x 41 1/2 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
