Duster with the flowers of four seasons

China

Not on view

This grouping of bamboo, chrysanthemums, orchids, and plum blossoms has rich symbolic meaning. Together, the plants represent both the passing of the seasons and virtues such as perseverance, modesty, purity, and nobility of spirit that were esteemed by the literati class. A member of that class would have used a whisk like this one.

Duster with the flowers of four seasons, Carved red lacquer, China

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Duster with the flowers of four seasons, Carved red lacquer, China
Duster with the flowers of four seasons, Carved red lacquer, China

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