This type of arrangement was very popular among wealthy and prominent people during the Ching Dynasty, and was often used, as decoration to liven up old, musty antiques. Several branches of whir, plum blossoms and a few deep red camellias bring a light to the eye and a bost to the spirit, while the placing of a dark green plantain leaf at the lower right provides an added touch of freshness. The pomegranate fruit on the bronze plate, rough and dry from long exposure to the sun, contains a myriad of seeds, symbolizing the traditional hope for abundant offspring.

Ching Dynasty Literati Grand Hall Offertory Flowers
Flowers: Mei flower, peony
Vessels: Crystal vase, porcelain cistern
Flower style: Expressionist

Expressionism in flower arranging involves the same explosive emotion and free-handed creativity as impressionism in painting. The arranger's intense desire to express himself is evident in the unconventional ingredients of this composition: Hoary old plum flowers languishing their branches down the walls of a shimmering crystal vase, and a dazzling, dew-bedecked peony clinging silently to the side of the flower pot like a fiery dragon sporting with a resplendent phoenix. The style, simple yet illuminating, represents the high watermark of literati expressionism.

Ching Dynasty Flower Arrangement for the Study
Flowers: Chrysanthemums
Vessels and accessories
Flower style: Hanging basket free-style flower

One set of flowers rises above the other in this twin arrangement composition. The flowers are arranged in a ta chi configuration, symbolic of great auspicion and good fortune. Each group consists of a fixed number of fruits and flowers, in keeping with the traditions of the stylized flower arrangements.