Four gentlemen sumi-e painting collection

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My first collection of traditional art is named “Four gentlemen”. Here I follow the eastern (Chinese and Japanese) tradition, where “Four gentlemen” are the most popular and noble four themes that represent main seasons as well as the most important human virtues. Plum blossom represents late winter, perseverance, purity and hope. Wild orchid symbolizes spring, feminine beauty and delicacy. Bamboo is a symbol of summer and masculine energy. Chrysanthemum, as it is one of the last flowers to bloom, is celebrated as a symbol of autumn, determination and wisdom. You can choose an image that is close to your character or you can collect four seasonal themes to enjoy clear and noble oriental spirit all year round.

Wild plum is considered to be one of “four gentlemen” of eastern art, meaning four most popular and noble themes that represent main seasons as well as most important human virtues.

Chinese plum, also called meihua is a favorite theme of eastern art and poetry. It blooms in early spring, sometimes having to endure chill and snowfall, so this bright and delicate blossom has been celebrated as a symbol of late winter / early spring and striving new life.

This ink wash paining is inspired by most dramatic Chinese and Japanese works. It represents intricacy of life as well as its inherent vital optimism. Stamp featured on the painting is the author’s “signature”, carved in tensho calligraphy characters.

The style used is also known as sumi-e and suibokuga.
Materials used: rice paper, Chinese black dry ink, vermilion ink and animal hair brush.

Bamboo is regarded by oriental artists as “father of ink wash paining”. It is closest of all to classic calligraphy – every branch an every leaf is a separate brush stroke and so the artist conveys the energetic spirit of the plant as well as his or her own nature.

Bamboo is one of the “four gentlemen” of eastern art, meaning four most popular and noble themes that represent main seasons as well as most important human virtues. It is a symbol of summer and dynamic masculine energy.

This particular painting combines the “positive diagonal” of the rising stem and the lively youthful spirit of young bamboo leafs. Stamp featured on the painting is the author’s “signature”, carved in tensho calligraphy characters.

The style used is also known as sumi-e and suibokuga.

Materials used: rice paper, Chinese black dry ink, and animal hair brush.

Chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn. It blooms sometimes well into winter, surviving bitter cold and snowfall, and so it has become a symbol of fortitude and wisdom that comes from experience.

This painting is an example of rare occasion of color being used in sumi-e. It is hard to imagine a colorless autumn, even though the colors are beginning to fade. Painting is inspired by classic Chinese works.

Wild orchid is one of the “four gentlemen” of oriental art, and thus one of the most important themes, which symbolizes spring and gentle femininity. However, it often puzzles non-Asian art students as this orchid, seen in the classical Chinese and Japanese works looks unfamiliar, not like an orchid at all. Still, this is an orchid, one of the oldest species, found in China and admired by Confucius himself. Unlike many other orchid kinds it grows on earth and rocks, often on river banks. It’s leafs and petals are long and narrow, flowers are often pale white. (If you are a scientific kind, you can look it up by the name Cymbidium ensifolium :)

Chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn. It blooms sometimes well into winter, surviving bitter cold and snowfall, and so it has become a symbol of fortitude and wisdom that comes from experience.

However, chrysanthemums can also be strikingly beautiful, commanding respect and admiration. No wonder, it has become an emblem of Japanese Imperial dynasty. This painting underlines this particular aspect of chrysanthemum’s symbolism.

Usage examples. Interior design.