The "Four Gentlemen" (sìjūnzǐ) – plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum – are highly revered subjects in Xieyi, each embodying distinct virtues like resilience, refinement, integrity, and longevity, serving as a rich source of inspiration for artists expressing a range of emotions and philosophical ideas.
Bamboo is a popular subject in Xieyi painting, valued for its elegant form, resilience, and rich symbolic meaning, with artists using bold, fluid brushstrokes and calligraphic lines to capture its essence, its vital energy, and to express core values of integrity, resilience, and a meditative connection to nature.
Mock bamboo decoration, a unique and inventive style, showcased the Qing potters’ ability to create ceramic forms that imitate the appearance of natural bamboo, demonstrating their skill and versatility.