Opposed to Western styles of painting, Chinese painting, known as "guóhuà" in Chinese, or "national painting" today, is done with no oils but a brush dipped in colored pigments or black ink on paper or silk.

"Landscape painting" and "Bird-and-flower painting" are considered the two most popular forms in Chinese painting. "Landscape painting" usually covers "mountains, rivers" and "Bird-and-Flower painting" covers "flowers, birds, or fish."

On these two prestigious forms of painting, six plants symbolizing auspiciousness for Chinese people are always the subjects.

Plum blossoms

Plum blossoms are regarded as Chinese transitional flowers. They are highly praised by ancient and modern poets and painters for their beautiful appearance.

And also, Chinese people think they are brave and ignore heavy weather because they blossom in the cold winter when other flowers wither. In addition, Plum blossoms are a symbol of good luck for the coming spring.