Existing comment:
Portrait of Yinli, Prince Guo
probably by Mangguri (1672-1736)
China, Qing dynasty, 1731 (reproduction)
The philosopher Confucius compared the virtuous man to an orchid. Echoing this thought, Chinese artists sometimes placed orchids in their work to evoke the Confucian qualities of humility, integrity, refinement -- in fact, all the virtues of a perfectly cultured gentleman and scholar.
Yinli was the brother of the Yongzheng emperor (reigned 1722-35). The planted by his feet contains a traditional grouping of orchids, rocks, and lingzhi (fungus of immortality) that symbolizes the prince's virtues.
"An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it. Likewise, men of noble character hold firm to their high principles, undeterred by poverty."
-- Confucius (551 - 479 BC) |