A Pair Of “three Friends Of Winter” Blue And White Saucers - China, 17th, Wanli Period

A pair of blue and white porcelain saucers decorated with a plum, a pine, and bamboo.
On the reverse, a six-character Chenghua mark.
China, 17th
Wanli period (1573-1620)

The allegory of the Three Friends of Winter features three plants: the pine, bamboo, and plum. These plants stay green or even bloom during the depths of winter, enduring the harsh cold without losing their vitality.

The pine retains its foliage even under snow, making it a symbol of durability and endurance. The bamboo suggests uprightness and the ability to bend without breaking. The plum is associated with hope, renewal, and beauty.

This trio of plants is therefore used to suggest that a person’s true strength is revealed when facing difficult times, in the same way that these plants continue to thrive and retain their beauty despite winter.

This theme is commonly found in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultures, where it is linked with human values such as perseverance, integrity, and modesty.