Each suspending a translucent jadeite of orange red colour to creamy white tone, carved with a plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum on each side respectively, symbolising elegance and taste, surmounted by a bead necklace of white nephrite jade and decorative beads, length approximately 584mm each. (2) Carved jadeites measuring approximately 40.80 x 37.08 x 7.68 and 40.63 x 37.53 x 8.27mm respectively. This lot contains jadeite or rubies originating in Burma (also known as Myanmar) and also articles of jewellery containing such gemstones may not be imported into the U.S. With respect to items containing any other types of gemstones originating in Burma (e.g. sapphires), such items may be imported into the U.S. provided that the gemstones were mounted or incorporated into articles of jewellery outside of Burma as long as the setting is not of a temporary nature. Loose gemstones of any type originating in Burma may not be imported into the U.S. In this regard, purchaser’s inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify a cancellation of the sale or any delay in payment.
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Four Gentlemen of Flowers – Plum Blossom, Orchid, Chrysanthemum and Bamboo
“The Four Gentlemen of Flowers” is a collective term referring to four plants – the plum blossom, the orchid, the chrysanthemum and the bamboo. For centuries, the Chinese literati community has upheld the loftiness of plum blossoms, the grace of orchids, the purity of chrysanthemums and the open-heartedness of bamboos, in homage to a life of refinement, free from materialism, pursued by men of virtue.
Plum Blossoms are the first flowers to bloom upon the dawn of a new year. Southern Song dynasty poet Lu You was so enamored of their qualities that he professed his love for them in a poem: “Standing all the more upright and straight in the tormenting snow and howling wind. The plum blossom among all flowers is the loftiest and the most unyielding.” In this fitting tribute, the plum blossom is seen to be blooming exuberantly in the bitter cold of winter, to demonstrate its strength of character, which reflects the spiritual leanings of intellectuals.
Grown in the deep mountain valleys and forests, orchids are distinguished by their ‘virtuous form’. The plant is also considered elegant, owing to the delicate fragrance it emits for its own sake, rather than to seek favours with the world. “A secluded orchid in the deserted valley” is an apt and perfect description of the plant’s quiet, solitary nature. Orchids are recluses of the woods and streams. Devoid of haughtiness or the tendency to flatter, the plant is often compared to a low-profile gentleman, indifferent to fortunes and fame, but always on a quest for beauty and perfection.
Chrysanthemums are the only flowers to bloom in fall. When all other plants lay withered and bare amid the austerity, only the chrysanthemums are able to withstand the autumnal winds. This is why they are regarded as the recluses of flowers. Displaying a keen zest for life, they emerge from the vicissitudes of the world unsullied. A well-known verse about them is “plucking chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge, I calmly view the southern hills,” showing the leisure of a reclusive life favoured by men of learning.
Bamboos are not averse to the heat of summer or harsh winter cold. They can be cultivated on infertile soil, and after being felled, grow back again. In his work Planting Bamboos, Tang dynasty literati Bai Juyi summed up the plant’s salient traits – “stability”, “uprightness”, “hollow-hearted” and “loyalty” – with which he drew parallels to the carefree ways, forthrightness, modesty and integrity of gentlemen.
Since the ancient times, Chinese intellectuals have sung praises of the plum blossom, the orchid, the chrysanthemum and the bamboo whose qualities have come to symbolise the virtues of graciousness, honour and incorruptibility that every man of character is expected to possess.