What’s in a name? A lot of confusion when it comes to maehwa or maesil (hangul: 매실; hanja: 梅實) from the Rosaceae family.
Also known as prunus mume, Chinese plum, Japanese apricot, Japanese plum, and winter plum, it comes in a variety of colours as well, from pure white to red though the white ones seem more common in South Korea.
Flowers from this tree emerge in late winter ( end of January – early March) so they are regarded both as winter blossoms and harbingers of spring.
Traditionally, the maesil / maehwa is one of the “Three Friends in the Cold Season, “Sehansamu”; the other two are the pine tree and bamboo and it also appears as one of the “Four Noble Men” or “Sagunja”, alongside the orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo.
Plum Blossom Fan, Ink on paper fan, Late 19th century, Joseon Dynasty by Chong Tae-gyu (active ca. 1870), Korean Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence P. Fisher.
Its delicate beauty which belies its hardy character is probably why it’s a popular subject in Korean art and literature.
Mother-of-pearl plum blossoms appear on the cover of a Gu-jeol-pan tray.
Just saw this photo featured in the JoongAng Daily - a timely reminder again of how the maehwa is a symbol of fortitude and endurance. Next posting: Food and drinks from the maehwa/ maesil.
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