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. Their elegance inspired countless poems and paintings, with notable appreciation beginning in the Wei and Jin dynasties and flourishing during the Song dynasty.

Let us now turn to Robust Plums, a masterpiece by Chung Chen Sun.

In Robust Plums, Chung Chen Sun employs a freehand style characterized by bold, expressive strokes. The branches and blossoms are simplified into smooth, dynamic linear structures. The densely inked branches dominate the composition’s rhythm, their twists and turns enriched by dynamic “flying white” techniques. The slender tips of the branches and the finely rendered, intricate blossoms with trembling stamens add a sense of delicacy and vibrancy to the painting. The brushwork achieves an exquisite balance of rough simplicity and refined detail, exuding a texture reminiscent of engraving and imbued with personal character.

The painting conveys the vitality of plum blossoms as they endure the seasonal transition, evoking hope for the warmth of early spring amidst the chill of winter. Chung Chen Sun inscribed the work with the words: "Robust Plums. I painted the spirit of plum blossoms with an unrestrained hand.” Through this depiction of plum blossoms, the artist expresses a profound love for his homeland while infusing the composition with a romantic, majestic sentiment. The title Robust Plums embodies the belief that justice will ultimately prevail, no matter the adversity.