The plum tree originates from China and its flowers are some of the most famous in the country. In the depths of winter, when most plants have already withered, the plum tree continues to bloom. The Chinese deeply appreciate this natural quality of “not fearing the cold”, giving it the symbolic value of resilience and courage. Furthermore, because it has five petals, it has been known since the Song dynasty (960-1279) as the “flower of five happiness”, representing luck, prosperity, longevity, joy and wealth. The plum tree motif has naturally become one of the auspicious patterns in Chinese tradition, being widely used in porcelain and clothing. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), it was one of the most popular, often combined with elements such as magpie to form compositions of good omen.
The peony, considered the “queen of flowers”, also originates from China, where it has been cultivated for over 1500 years. Initially used as a medicinal plant, its root (called danpi) has fever-reducing, pain-relieving and refreshing properties. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (599-649) particularly appreciated the exuberance of the peony and proclaimed it the “national flower”. At that time, only the imperial family and nobility could cultivate it, which is why the peony became a symbol of social status and prosperity, a meaning that remains today. Just as the four-leaf clover symbolizes luck in Western cultures, in China the peony is also associated with good luck, so many Chinese families like to place pictures or decorative objects with this motif in their homes, believing that they attract good fortune.