In China, the history of plum blossoms can be traced back thousands of years, not only the finishing touch in the natural landscape, but also deeply rooted in the essence of Chinese culture, carrying a wealth of emotions and philosophical reflections. In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, these plum blossoms, which carry profound cultural heritage, were like cultural messengers, crossing the ocean and being introduced to Japan, not only enriching Japan's plant diversity, but also profoundly influencing Japan's culture and art, and becoming a unique link between the feelings of the two countries.
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the gold inlaid glass plum hairpin
According to archaeological discoveries, the copper tripod unearthed in Yinxu in Anyang, Henan Province is full of carbonized plum kernels, which have a history of more than 3,200 years, which is an important evidence of the existence of plum blossoms in ancient China. In addition, plum kernels and bamboo slips recorded "preserved plum" were also found in the Western Han Dynasty tomb in Mawangdui, Changsha, which further proves that there was the cultivation of plum trees and the processing and utilization of plums in the Jiangnan area in the early Western Han Dynasty. These historical sites not only enrich our understanding of the history of plum cultivation in ancient China, but also show the important position and multiple uses of plum blossoms in the lives of ancient Chinese.
According to the records of the Xijing Miscellaneous Records, when the Shanglin Garden was built in the early Han Dynasty, the local officials offered all kinds of precious fruit trees and plum blossoms, including Zhu Mei, Rouge Plum, Tongxin Plum, Purple Plum and Liyou Plum. At that time, the types of plum blossoms included two types: Jiangmei and Gongfen. At the end of the Western Han Dynasty, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms were mentioned in Yangxiong's Shu Du Fu, indicating that plum blossoms had been used as garden trees for greening about 2,000 years ago.
Song Zhiyuan luodian plum blossom interstitial
The beauty of plum blossoms is not limited to the moment when the branches bloom, but is also integrated into all aspects of daily life by skilled craftsmen. On the porcelain, the delicate and smooth plum blossom pattern is presented in blue and white, pastel and other techniques, which not only adds to the beauty of the utensils, but also implies auspiciousness and elegance; On the clothing, the plum blossom pattern is embroidered on the placket or woven in the satin, with the wearer's footsteps moving gently, as if there is a dark fragrance floating, showing the elegance of the posture; On the furniture, whether it is a carved bed or a screen partition, the integration of plum blossom elements makes the space full of literati atmosphere and natural interest.
In modern times, the classic element of plum blossoms has not faded, but has become active in various fields in a more diversified form. For example, the plum blossom symbol in the plum wine brand "Umemi" draws on the essence of the plum blossom pattern on ancient Chinese ceramics.
The Umemi brand symbol is inspired by the plum blossom pattern of ancient ceramic ware
In the middle of the Tang Dynasty (710-784), Tang envoys were tasked with crossing the ocean to bring precious plum varieties from China back to Japan. This period coincided with the beginning of the Nara period in Japan, when society flourished and cultural exchanges became more frequent. According to detailed records in historical records, when plum blossoms were first introduced to Japan, they were not favored for their ornamental value. On the contrary, more attention has been paid to its medicinal properties as a consuming plum. The fruit of plum blossoms, plums, is not only easy to cultivate, but also has remarkable medicinal properties, which has attracted the attention of the Japanese royal family and aristocracy.
From edible plums to ornamental plums, plums have been cultivated in Japan for more than 1,250 years. Umeko quickly became popular among the upper class of Japan due to its unique medicinal properties and delicious taste. Members of the royal family and aristocrats grew plums in their domains and enjoyed the health benefits they bring.
Tracing back to its roots, Japan's plum blossom culture originated in China, which not only reflects the profound cultural exchanges between China and Japan, but also demonstrates the influence of Chinese culture on the world.