Album. Twelve leaves. Qing Dynasty. Dong Gao. Painted. Ink and color on paper (21.7x43.5 cm). Collection of the Taipei Palace Museum-PDF

This album, *Yao Pu Xian Chun*, was painted by Dong Gao during the Qing Dynasty. Plum blossoms, opening before all other flowers, convey the message of spring's arrival. The album features plum blossoms as its theme, with a total of twelve sections: Red Plum Blossoms, Moonlit Plum Blossoms, Green-thorn Plum and Heavenly Bamboo, Yellow Plum and Green Bamboo, Plum Blossoms and Chrysanthemums, Plum Blossoms by Water, Plum Blossoms and Winter Jasmine and Camellia, Red and Green Plum Blossoms with Orchids, Red Plum Blossoms and Gardenia, Ancient Plum Blossoms, Plum Blossoms and Bamboo Leaves, and Red Plum Blossoms with Narcissus. This is a 绘本 from the ninth year of the Jiaqing era in the Qing Dynasty, now preserved in the Taipei Palace Museum.

In folklore, plum blossoms symbolize welcoming spring and bringing good fortune, representing joy and celebration. Plum blossoms typically bloom from late winter to early spring, hence they are often called "Winter Plum" and "Spring Plum." Since ancient times, plum blossoms have been cherished by literati and officials for their elegant and refined beauty, their ice-cold and jade-like integrity, and their spirit of lingering fragrance even in the cold. Amidst the harsh winter, plum blossoms bloom first among all flowers, as expressed in the verse "Ten thousand flowers dare to emerge from the snow, one tree alone leads the world in spring." (Yuan Dynasty, Yang Weizhen, *Dao Mei Zhi Qi Jie*). In a poem by Chen Liang of the Song Dynasty titled *Plum Blossoms*, it is written, "To convey the message of spring, it fears not being buried in snow," depicting plum blossoms' fearless attitude towards cold and their courage to lead the way. In traditional culture, plum blossoms are listed alongside orchids, bamboos, and chrysanthemums as the "Four Gentlemen," and are also called the "Three Friends of Winter" alongside pines and bamboos.

Red plum

The bright flowers of the plum take the lead in welcoming spring. Light white and deep red colors are fresh. The upper garden's prime beauty is at the forefront. The painting captures the faint fragrance that spreads.

Moon reflecting plum blossoms

Moonlight white, forest sparse, white shadows embrace. The elegant butterfly melts in cold fragrance. Content with simplicity, preserving noble character. Holding pure heart, one point of red.

Green-bud plum and Heavenly Bamboo

First meeting the Nine Mountains Fairy in search of fragrant blossoms. Green sleeves lightly droop, green buds entwined. The flora book is updated with Heavenly Bamboo. Scattered red fruits evenly string into perfect circles.

Yellow plum and green bamboo

Fine twigs subtly hold the fragrance of a thousand leaves. Blooming buds fully open, hinting at light yellow. One branch leans 斜 against sandalwood and rattan bamboo. Strong stems with ice hearts forget old habits.

Plum Blossom Roses

Elegant white petals, purple bases, skillfully trimmed. A refined companion to the clear, fragrant moon, blooming every month red. Nourishing the spring garden, fostering growth. Wandering to explore the flower's message, through several waves of wind.

Plum Blossoms by Water

Spirit of Gu She, ice and snow heart. Lowly, flipping in shallow waves, reflecting the stream. Jade-like posture, only fits to dip in clear waves. Delicate and refined, free from vulgar charm.

Plum winter jasmine camellia

One flower, three fruits, competing for purity and beauty. Agate plate holding green leaves fresh. Unique yellow fragrance brews cliff honey. Gathering of all flowers, graceful demeanor.

Red and green plum orchid grass

Stone-born for millennia, night-shining orchid grass. Perfectly united in color, extraordinary. Emerald calyx, red corolla, intermingling. Spring platform, benevolent longevity, should flourish in the period.

Red plum gardenia

Needle-like clusters of purple silk pouches. Spring fills the southern branches with hidden fragrance. Jade pavilions display the brilliance of white essence. Exotic and brilliant, precious flowers shine.

Ancient plum

Flowers bloom densely with purple buds, spreading profusely. Frost flowers flutter like jade cups in the wind. Iron-like heart and ice and snow integrity. Ten thousand flowers in Jin Valley are all uniquely distinguished.

Plum and Bamboo Leaves

A branch of flower outside the bamboo is even more beautiful. The moon reflects on the eastern pavilion, casting a dim yellow light. The fairy companions from the jade pool are joined in beauty. Red petals and silver blossoms dazzle in the night light.

Red Plum and Narcissus

At the cliff edge and stream corner, the posture is 斜横. Fairies stepping on waves gather in brocade-like rosy clouds. Examining the spring scenery as if in a painted album. With a wonderful skill in mixing flavors, the brush gives birth to flowers.