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 :)
So you have it, a most elegant and delicate symbol of femininity, calm and soft as moonlight, but lively, almost dancing on a brink.
The style used is also known as sumi-e and suibokuga.
Stamp featured on the painting is the author’s “signature”, carved in tensho calligraphy characters.
Materials used: rice paper, Chinese black dry ink and animal hair brush.
So you have it, a most elegant and delicate symbol of femininity, calm and soft as moonlight, but lively, almost dancing on a brink.
The style used is also known as sumi-e and suibokuga.
Stamp featured on the painting is the author’s “signature”, carved in tensho calligraphy characters.
Materials used: rice paper, Chinese black dry ink and animal hair brush.