Three friends of Winter (Pine, Bamboo and Plum)

Painted in November when Kaioku was 80 years of age. Inscribed as “Three friends of winter” in a thin clerical script. Pine and bamboo, which don’t lose its green color even in winter, and plum, which blossoms in the cold, have strength to bear the harsh winter climate; all of which altering the meaning into the friends to get along with in the time of adversity.
Pale blue-green color on the slender pine tree and the thin and flexible bamboo trees shine smoothly on silk satin cloth. It feels like there is a subtle scent from the white plum blossoms with a sprinkle of buds.