Orchid Elegance and Orchid Nobility

Orchid Elegance and Orchid Nobility are paintings in traditional Chinese free style (Xie Yi) technique with ink on rice paper.

In China presents are usualy given in pairs.  The number "two" is an auspicious number in Chinese culture, because Chinese people believe that ‘good things come in pairs’.  In Feng Shui the number "two" means harmony and balance, as in the yin and yang symbol.

Therefor also art and other decorations are usualy displayed in pairs or as set. The two paintings together creating a special balance and symphony of beauty.

The orchid used to represent good taste and beauty in Chinese traditional culture. They symbolize elegance, nobility and self-respect. They also belongs to the "Four Gentlemen of Chinese Painting" - the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum and represent one of the four seasons!

Artists are using the same techniques as in calligraphy, therefor the image is not really painted but rather written.

In China the calligraphy always belongs to the painting. It’s like the signature from the artist. The bigger characters are always the title of the painting. The smaller calligraphy shows the name of the artist and sometimes where and when the painting was created.

On the picture is written „yōu lán - bái jié huà yú nán jīng” what means “Silent Orchid - painted by Bai Jie in Nanjing”

This image is available for purchase on various products or as high quality print. Click: