Three Friends of Winter
In this album, Yun Shouping chooses a variety of flowers blooming from spring to winter in China. Many species have become classic and honored subjects in art. These flowers are rich in symbolic, poetic and art historical associations. For example, his inclusion of peach blossoms refers to the Chinese writer Tao Qian’s (365–427 CE) famous story "The Peach Blossom Spring."
Three Friends of Winter
歲寒三友
"Men of the past often painted the Three Friends of Winter. I alone choose these three varieties [oleander, winter sweet and heavenly bamboo (nandina)], delighted with their aspect of winter. Though battered by snow and sleet, their complexions never fail, nor beauty fades. How can one be ashamed of them? And so, I add this picture to facilitate the enjoyment of like-minded persons."
– Yun Shouping
