Four Gentlemen

In Chinese art, the “Four Gentlemen” of plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, and bamboo symbolize the virtues of uprightness, purity, humility, and perseverance, and represent the seasons. Plums symbolize scholars, and fragrant orchids represent the influence of the literati. Chrysanthemums, which bloom in late fall, suggest perseverance in the face of hardship. And the flexibility of bamboo reminds us of uprightness. These were values that ancient Chinese literati or government officials were called to uphold. I wrote these poems at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.