Ming porcelain pattern 'Three Friends of Winter'

In Chinese culture, the pine tree, bamboo tree, and mei tree, also known as "岁寒三友" (Shuihan Shan You) or "The Three Friends of Winter," have long been beloved and prized. These three trees are unique in that they are able to maintain their vitality even in the cold winter months. It is like friends who share joy and suffering, standing side by side, waiting for the spring to come.

* The pine tree (松树) is a symbol of patience and longevity, like a spirit that will not give up in the face of obstacles.

* The bamboo tree (竹子) is a symbol of loyalty and humility, like a person with a good heart, adhere to morality

* The plum blossom (梅花) symbolizes purity, nobility, and determination, like a person with a bright mind. Committed to the goal

Drawings or pictures of The "Three Friends of Winter" are often used to decorate homes, various places, or as patterns on clothing. Jewelry and various items for good fortune.

The Three Friends of Winter by the painter Zhao Mengjian, Song dynasty

In addition to the "Three Friends of Winter", there are other auspicious plants. There are many other flowers in Chinese culture, such as chrysanthemums, orchids, lotus flowers, etc. These flowers are often praised as symbols of various virtues, becoming something that people dream of and behave accordingly.

The "Three Friends of Winter" are not just ordinary trees. But it represents the high morality that the Chinese people respect and honor. Learning and understanding the meaning of these symbols helps us deepen our understanding of Chinese culture.

This porcelain pottery is painted on the outside with the "Three Friends of Winter" pattern. The edge is flared. The texture is thin and fine. The glaze is clear and clean, giving off the current of the sky. The indigo used is beautiful, bright and dark blue. Beautiful and meticulous drawing skills But the important thing that makes this bowl special is the bending of auspicious words (Auspicious Words) that occurred starting from the time of Emperor Jiajing all the way up to Wanli. All three trees have their trunks drawn with Chinese characters that read 'shòu' (壽), which means longevity, and are planted in pots. Inside the bowl is a pomegranate (石榴) on the pot painted with the same characters. Inside the bowl are 3 flower branches alternating with dragonflies.

Under the base are the six Chinese characters “Da Ming, Long Qing, Nian Shi” (ordered by King Long Qing of the great Ming Dynasty) produced in Jingdezhen in the period. King Long Qing (1567-1572 AD) Width 12.5 cm.

This Chinese tribute bowl was created in the 25th third of the 16th century, corresponding to the reign of King Longqing, according to the letters written under the base. Its meticulous beauty indicates the skill of craftsmen in the Chinese dynasty, sent as tribute to Phra Maha Thammaraja (1569-1580) (1569-1580), the King of Siam at that time.