Artwork Appreciation - Floral
In ancient Chinese culture, the pine, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom are called the "Three Friends of Winter", with the pine regarded as a symbol of nobility since the Pre - Qin era. Confucius' words about the pine's late - withering in cold seasons gave it moral meanings, and with the influence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, it represents loftiness, resilience, and vitality…
Plum Blossoms Garden
Plum blossoms, native to China, are celebrated for their beauty and symbolic significance. Known as one of China's "Four Gentlemen" and part of the "Three Friends of Winter," they have long been associated with purity, resilience, and humility. For over 3,000 years, plum blossoms have been cultivated and admired across China, evolving from practical uses, such as their fruit in rituals and cooking, to becoming a symbol of noble character and cultural refinement…
Robust Plums
Chung Chen Sun's Orchid in the Valley, created in 1980, depicts two clusters of orchids harmoniously echoing each other in a secluded valley. The orchid leaves spread gracefully, while the blossoms face upward and downward, exuding a natural charm. The composition is executed with smooth and fluid brushwork, characterized by balanced structure and elegant simplicity. The delicate flowers embody a refined beauty, capturing the orchid’s noble and unpretentious essence….
Orchid in the Valley
Pine trees hold a unique place among flora, revered for their resilience to severe cold, evergreen nature, and timeless endurance without seasonal color changes. These qualities have inspired countless scholars and artists, who use the pine as a metaphor for noble aspirations. Among plants, the pine tree was among the first to be represented in painting and literature…
Righteousness
Standing Still is a masterpiece created by Chung Chen Sun at the remarkable age of 80, inspired by a sudden burst of creativity. The painting depicts towering, resilient trees that seem to narrate the story of time itself. The trees are rendered with forceful lines and rich ink textures, using bold and textured brushstrokes to bring the trees' physicality and vitality to life. Chung Chen Sun's strokes move freely across the paper, demonstrating both the fluidity of ink and the precision required to capture the trees' weathered surfaces. This interplay draws viewers into a deep reflection on history and the cultural memories tied to nature.
Standing Still
Among the Bamboos by Chung Chen Sun exemplifies the philosophical and aesthetic depth of bamboo as a symbol of resilience, integrity, and humility in Chinese painting. Throughout art history, bamboo has been cherished by Chinese literati for its upright form and enduring qualities. From Xu Wei’s vigorous bamboo of the Ming dynasty to Zheng Banqiao’s dynamic strokes in the Qing dynasty, bamboo has represented noble character and unyielding strength. Chung Chen Sun builds on this legacy, adding profound philosophical meaning to his depiction of bamboo…
Among The Bamboos
Upright as Bamboo
In Chinese art, bamboo, as one of the Four Gentlemen, holds a special place in the hearts of literati and is often depicted in paintings. Representing the lofty aspirations and moral pursuits of artists, bamboo in ink - wash paintings serves as a bridge between nature and inner philosophy.
Chung Chen Sun, a native of Meixian, Guangdong, hails from the Hakka ethnic group. The Hakka people, with a rich cultural heritage, have a unique set of traditions that blend elements of ancient Central Plains culture with local customs. The Hakka spirit, shaped by historical migrations, hardships, and cultural exchanges, is a remarkable combination of perseverance, patriotism, and love for one's hometown…
Hakka Spirit
