White porcelain jar glazed in blue underglaze with the Three Winter Friends - suì hán sān yǒu - 岁寒三友, China, Ming period (1368-1644) Of poly-lobed form decorated with a flowering prunus, bamboo and a pine tree around which five birds fly among clouds, on the ground grow flowers and a lingzhi mushroom. The shoulder is decorated with a radiating pattern and the neck with a frieze of Greek. It rests on a wide foot, the base is enamelled. Height : 18 cm A small crack in the neck. The pine, associated with bamboo and plum blossom, is known as the Three Friends of Winter. These three plants have the natural ability to withstand and thrive in harsh environments. This particular trio of plants is welcome in the first cold days of spring, when the evergreen bamboo and pine are joined by the first plum blossoms. Their surprising vitality represents hardiness, bravery, integrity and rebirth - qualities much admired by Confucians. These three plants are also symbols of longevity, as the pine and bamboo are evergreen and the plum tree lives long. The depiction of these hardy winter survivors was meant to encourage you to persevere, even in the face of adversity. This combination has also come to symbolize fortitude and righteousness under difficult conditions, traits to which a Chinese scholar would aspire. The three plants can also represent the three main beliefs in China - Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. It is written that a Chinese gentleman was said to be a Confucian in his career, a Taoist upon his return, and a Buddhist when death was imminent. The symbolism of the Three Friends of Winter has made it a popular subject for Chinese art motifs. It has been depicted in almost every possible material. They can be grouped alone or in combination with other auspicious symbols of longevity. 明-青花岁寒三友图罐