Spring, the most poetic artist of all, wields its brush to paint the earth with vibrant colors. If you step into a museum, you might be surprised to find that the artifacts on display also seem to exude the fresh breath of spring.But how did ancient people preserve the beauty of spring?
The Green Glassware with Gold Embellishments
This collection of lù bó lí (绿玻璃, green glass) dining ware isn't just for feasts—it's practically a limited-edition "Spring Special" art piece. Each item is exquisitely crafted, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Take the small oil bottle, for instance. Its slender, graceful silhouette resembles a lady draped in elegant robes. The translucent material gleams softly under the light, reflecting a harmony of colors—refreshing blue, understated white, and luxurious gold. The color combination is effortlessly sophisticated.
The small dish is equally mesmerizing. Delicate floral patterns stretch along the edges like winding vines, intertwining with intricate geometric designs at the center. Holding it in your hands, you can almost feel the refined beauty of ancient lifestyles.
And then there's the candle stand—a glowing "jade pillar" that embodies the pinnacle of Qīng Dài (清代, Qing Dynasty) craftsmanship.
The large plate has a minimalist base, encircled by tiny, dainty floral motifs, making the entire piece look refreshingly elegant. The covered jars and boxes shimmer with fěn cǎi (粉彩, famille rose), featuring everlasting blossoms of peach and plum. No gemstones needed—these artifacts shine on their own. Dining with this set, you might just taste the flavors of spring itself.
If Spring Were a Painting
Imagine this scene: xìng huā (杏花, apricot blossoms) in full bloom, while a few tender buds, blushing in pale pink, whisper their readiness to bloom. Their delicate fragrance draws in a pair of swallows, who perch gracefully on the branches, exchanging songs and glances. In an instant, the picturesque scene gains life, forever captured on the surface of a porcelain vase.
But this vase doesn't just freeze a moment of spring—it also carries well wishes.
Poets have long referred to apricot blossoms as jí dì huā (及第花, "success flowers"), symbolizing triumph in imperial exams. Meanwhile, the imagery of swallows flying through an apricot grove—xìng lín chūn yàn (杏林春燕)—is believed to bring blessings of prosperity and healing. No wonder this motif remained a favorite among scholars and artisans alike!
Spring Is Here—Let's Fly Kites!
Do you remember the classic scene from Hóng Lóu Mèng (红楼梦, Dream of the Red Chamber)—when Lín Dài Yù (林黛玉) revives the Peach Blossom Poetry Society, and Shǐ Xiāng Yún (史湘云) composes verses about willow catkins? No? Don't worry—this painting will jog your memory!
Spring has arrived, peach blossoms are in bloom, and Jiǎ Bǎo Yù (贾宝玉) gathers with his sisters to compose poems about drifting willow fluff. Suddenly, a kite soaring past the window catches their attention, and soon, the entire garden fills with laughter as they join in the fun.
In this artwork, nearly every important detail from that scene is present—the kites in the sky, the literary gathering at the table, the calligraphy adorning the walls. It's as if a moment from Dream of the Red Chamber has come to life, brimming with the essence of spring.
Did you know? This painting, Flying Kites, is from the Lǜ shùn Bó wù guǣn (旅顺博物馆, Lüshun Museum) collection of the Complete Illustrated Red Chamber Dream. This epic work was created by Sūn Wēn (孙温) and Sūn Yǔn Mó (孙允谟), two devoted fans of the novel, who spent over 50 years meticulously painting what is essentially a massive visual adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber!
Springtime Adventures—A Thousand Years Ago
If you could travel back to Cháng'ān (长安, the ancient capital), how would you spend spring? This noble lady's answer is simple: take her beloved "kitty" out for a hunting trip!
Before heading out, she carefully grooms herself—powdering her face, shaping her eyebrows, and applying a touch of cherry-red lipstick. Her hairstyle? A playful, adorable shuāng chuí jiǐ (双垂髻, "double hanging bun").
Her trusty steed needs some dressing up too—black saddle, leopard-print stirrups, all set!
And what's a hunt without the perfect partner? Enter the sleek and agile shē lì (猞猁, lynx), a small yet formidable "kitty", feline predator, known for its speed and climbing prowess. "Hop on!" she seems to say.
With everything ready, off they go—riding into the heart of spring's most beautiful days.
Where Will You Welcome Spring?
Spring is fleeting, but the ancients found countless ways to make it last—through delicate glassware, timeless porcelain paintings, poetic literary depictions, and even lively hunting scenes.
When the first breeze gently brushes cheek, the most beautiful season is upon you, how do you plan to celebrate it? A museum visit? A picnic under cherry blossoms? Or perhaps—just like those from centuries past—you'll simply pause for a moment, breathe in the scent of spring, and let the season work its magic.
