Chrysanthemums
Qi Baishi, Chrysanthemums, 1945/1955, color woodblock print on paper, Gift of Donald and Mel Jenkins, © unknown, research required, 67.15.6
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- Title
Chrysanthemums
- Related Titles
original language: 菊花圖
- Artist
- Date
1945/1955
- Medium
color woodblock print on paper
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
image: 8 7/8 in x 12 1/8 in; sheet: 12 9/16 in x 17 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
seal: 齊大, printed, lower right Transliteration: Qida Language: Chinese
signature: 白石, printed, lower right Transliteration (Translation): Baishi (White Stone) Language: Chinese Description: signature
- Collection Area
Asian Art; Graphic Arts
- Category
Prints
- Object Type
relief print
- Culture
Chinese
- Credit Line
Gift of Donald and Mel Jenkins
- Accession Number
67.15.6
- Copyright
© unknown, research required
- Terms
The chrysanthemum is considered one of the Four Gentlemen, along with the plum, the orchid, and bamboo—plants that symbolize key Confucian virtues. Because the chrysanthemum blooms in the fall, flourishing despite the onset of early frosts, it represents the ability to withstand adversity.
Chrysanthemums were beloved of one of China's most famous poets, Tao Yuanming (365–427). Tao left a government post to live in reclusion in the countryside, surrounded by pines and chrysanthemums. In Tao's poetry, chrysanthemums become a metaphor for personal integrity. In popular folklore, chrysanthemums are associated with longevity.