Pine Tree from Album of the Four Friends with Calligraphy and Painting

Emperor Qianlong, born Aisin Gioro Hongli, is the longest-reigning ruler in the history of China. During his reign, he is fascinated about collecting calligraphic works, paintings and antiques from past dynasties. He also likes painting and writing poems on himself so much. It is believed that he is one of the emperors that have great interests in arts. This album is considered to be finished in the 22nd year of his reign, depicting the four cherished plants that Chinese literati love most: pine trees, bamboos, plums and orchids. The first leaf is the pine tree titled with "Zhen Qian", accompanied by his imitation on Yan Zhenqing’s calligraphy at the right side. The second is the bamboo, titled with "Jie Jie", accompanied by his imitation on Cai Xiang, a calligrapher in Song dynasty. The third is the plum, titled with "Rui Zhu", and with his imitation on Su Shi’s calligraohy at the right side. The fourth is the orchid, titled with "Xian Pei", and with his imitation on Mi Fu’s calligraphy.