The ‘Four Gentlemen’ and Their Poetic Inscriptions

Four plants inspire artists and poets of ancient China

“Manual of Ink Bamboo, Light Shadows Cast Over Green Moss,” 1350, by Wu Zhen. Album leaf: Ink on paper, 15.9 inches by 20.5 inches. National Palace Museum, Taipei

Nature serves as our greatest artistic muse. It stirs feelings and emotions in us and was a source of inspiration for ancient Chinese artists. Four plants—the plum blossom, the orchid, the bamboo, and the chrysanthemum—were known as the “Four Gentlemen,” or “Junzi” in ancient China.

“Ink Plum” by Wang Mian. Handscroll: Ink on paper; 12.6 inches by 20 inches. The Palace Museum, Beijing