Shin Young-Sang (Korean). Poems, Orchids and Rocks. late 1800s. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker. 1980.127.

image height: 34 in, 86.36 cm; image width: 15 7/8 in, 40.3225 cm; overall height: 70 1/4 in, 178.435 cm; overall width: 141 in, 358.14 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

Poems, Rocks and Orchids
1800s, Joseon dynasty
Korea
Ink on paper
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker 
1980.127

Along with plum, bamboo and chrysanthemum, the orchid is one of the Four Gentlemen - four plants that symbolize the virtues of a scholar. The orchid's scent, for example, is so understated that the flower is considered a symbol of modesty and restraint. The theme of the Four Gentlemen originated in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279) and was later adopted in Korea and Japan. Each plant was associated with a season of the year and each presented distinct challenges. Painting an orchid required brushwork similar to what was used when writing clerical script, an ancient style of Chinese calligraphy. 

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John B. [1926-2005] and Emma [1930-2021] Bunker, Larkspur, CO before 1973; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 1980 [1]. [1] On loan to the Denver Art Museum, 1972-1973 Provenance research is on-going. Please e-mail provenance@denverartmuseum.org, if you have questions, or if you have additional information to share with us.