The center branch in this vase-flower composition is more than twice the height of the vase and is inclined sharply to the right. The circular vase mouth is the focus of attention, with the vase length extending halfway up the field of vision like the radius of a circle. Stylewise, the work resembles the majestic intellectual flowers of the Ming Dynasty. However, the material is more sparse, the curves are more pronounced, and the atmosphere is more casual and fluid. Accessories are perfectly matched and balanced, and lend a "fourth dimensional" effect to the composition.

Ching Dynasty (18th century) Realistic Style Plate Flower Arrangement
Flower: Bamboo, coir palm Lake Tai rocks
Vessels: Bronze plate
Flower style: Realistic sytle

In this composition a bronze basin from the Shang-Chou era houses a collection of palm, bamboo, and rocks. At the feet of the flowers are crushed stones, representing an open field in late spring or early summer. The Lake Tai rocks suggest a mountain slope, and the plants tall trees swaying in a balmy summer breeze. The peace and seclusion of this landscape setting are characteristic of early Ching Dynasty realistic flower arrangements.

Ching Dynasty Literati Study Room Offertory Flower Arrangement
Flowers: Roses, orchids
Vessels and accessories; Bronze tripod, glass vase, ink slab
Flower style: Literati realistic style

This twin arrangement utilizes the ink slab to symbolize the fact that it is a composition for the study. Richly hued roses rest within a bronze tripod, while from behind rises a glass vase containing orchids. Flowers and branches are inclined in a natural attitude of repose in this fine example of Ching Dynasty realistic style arrangement.