Plum Blossom

Zhang Daqian named his house in Carmel, California Huan Bianan, and once relayed to Cai Mengjian, "This forest that surrounds my humble home, it will take time for me to maintain the grounds, decorate my home and furnish it nicely, before I can call it home." After Zhang purchased his home, he imported pine, prunus and other potted plants from Japan, and sourced far and wide to find beautiful rocks. Plum blossom was his favoured flower, for it was not only the national flower, it also represented the steadfastness of the people, who persisted and triumphed even in adversity. Zhang finally found a rock in the shape of Taiwan and carved the words meiqiu on it, meaning 'plum blossoms mound'. Surrounding the rock with white plum blossoms, the rock was placed at the door of the house to welcome guests. Zhang emphasized that one should have the qualities of the three friends of winter, maintaining honour and integrity. His deep respect for plum blossom and his attachment to the rock are evident, as the rock was shipped back to Taiwan and was placed next to where he was buried.