The most noted painter of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) was Zheng Suonan whose paintings implied definite connotations. The orchids he painted were never with roots, as if floating in the air, which manifested Zheng¡¯s feeling of homelessness with the downfall of the Song Dynasty.
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The painting of orchids and bamboos by Zheng Banqiao from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
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The excellent orchid painter of the Qing Dynasty was Zheng Banqiao who attached great importance on the nature of orchids. He had a preference for painting wild orchids; he once planted potted orchids by himself and transplanted them in the mountain after spring with the expectation of them growing naturally.
Bamboo
In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo is a metaphor of vitality and longevity, which usually relates to man who has exemplary conduct and nobility of character.
There is a beautiful myth about bamboo. In remote ancient times, two of the emperor Shun¡¯s concubines were very sad over Shun¡¯s death and cried all day long; finally they committed suicide by drowning themselves in the river. The concubines¡¯ tears shed onto the bamboo forming some mottles on them, which were called mottled bamboos in later generations.
