Penglai Banana (Philodendron)

現代 趙少昂 蓬萊蕉 紙本設色

Penglai banana, 1964
By Chao Shao-an (1905-1998)
China; Hong Kong
Pair of hanging scrolls, ink and colors on paper
Collection of Master Chao Shao-an, 1992.235.1-.2

In the winter cold, snowflakes swirl over the leaves of an evergreen (Latin botanical name: Monstera deliciosa) with banana-like fruit. Across from the bird flying on the left are three birds in stiff positions, their necks contracted and their claws tightly grasping the branches of the evergreen. The birds’ resistance to the cold air is symbolic of the enduring spirit, as the artist noted in the poem at the top of the right-hand picture:

It is said that this plant grows on [the legendary] Penglai Island.
Life’s vicissitudes build endurance and loyalty.
Heedless of winter winds and snow,
the small birds on its branches are cold yet not frightened.
Jiachen year [1964], winter solstice. Shao-an at the Lingnan
art studio.