Birds in wintry trees

Formerly attributed to Li Di (active late 12th-early 13th century) · 16th-17th century

The philosopher Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.) once observed that pine and cypress are the last trees to wither in winter. Consequently, these two hardy evergreens became parallel symbols of longevity in traditional China, representing the virtuous gentleman who endures adversity with fortitude.