One of the most used and necessary tools an artist can have is a palette. While it may seem like a simple ink holder, these devices serve complex purposes as they are used to mix inks, as well as mixing water to create the correct consistency for the ink. Palette use generally varies depending on the type of art being produced, whether it is calligraphy or Sumi-E or Fineline painting.

The Porcelain Palette will serve all of these styles with ease. Like its name says, it is made of porcelain, and is in the shape of a plum blossom (Mei), one of the most important symbols in all of Chinese art.

The plum blossom is one of three plants that make up the Four Gentlemen, which are among the most beloved and revered plants in China. The other three are bamboo (Zhu), orchid (Lan) and the chrysanthemum (Ju). Each of the four plants represents one of the four seasons, and each also symbolizes distinct traits artists seek for themselves.

Since it is one of the only flowers that bloom in winter, plum blossoms have come to symbolize pride, dignity, perseverance and hope. Artists recognize the plum blossom as showing disdain to contend with other flowers that bloom during the spring by blooming on its own in the cold of winter.

Therefore, the plum blossom has been the subject of countless poems and paintings for thousands of years. In addition to its beauty, the fruit of the plum tree has long been used to make a great snack, and the flower itself also is edible and often used to make Plum Cake, which is a traditional snack in China. Furthermore, the fruit of the flower is often found as an ingredient in Chinese medicine.

The plum blossom shape of this palette will serve to inspire the artist with the plum blossom’s rich history, while serving as a functional tool in his or her studio.