The Four Gentlemen
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Gentleman as someone of good morals, represents the ideal Confucian personality in Chinese culture. In works of literature, the character traits of gentlemen are often projected onto the four flowers of orchid (refinement), bamboo (humility), chrysanthemum (virtuousness) and plum blossom (pride), which are known as The Four Gentlemen. What are the gentlemanly traits that we seek nowadays in Hong Kong? This is my contemporary interpretation of these important qualities, which project from the attitudes of singers Endy Chow, Candy Lo, 6@RubberBand and Bondy Chiu towards their music.
The series is divided into two parts. The first part features flower arrangements by Ikebana artist Verdy Leung. In the second part, the four singers are styled by local fashion designer Matt Hui. The tailor-made costumes serve as flower vessels for our Four Noble Ones, whose expectations for the gentleman are revealed in the photos.
Every spring, orchid grows on dead wood and produces the most beautiful flower from the modest origin. The wooden accessory on Endy’s hand symbolises hope even in the depth of despair, and the pleated skirt marks a break from stereotypes and projects the confidence to define oneself and the world in one’s own way.
The slender bamboo wing attached on the right side of Candy stands for toughness and tenacity. The breastplate and the statuesque drape suggest that gentlemen live their lives with an open heart and a sturdy backbone. The breezy summery scene expresses a sense of composure and humbleness.
Among the numerous varieties, Verdy picks Kiichi, the yellow chrysanthemum, delivered by air from Japan. Chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan and the symbol of the Japanese monarchy. Matched with the backpack strap on the suit, it exudes a sophisticated flair. Chrysanthemum blooms in solitude and dignity while other flowers have wilted in the autumn’s chill. The eyeglasses sported by 6 are the same pair worn by the boy from Chapter 1, a subtle hint that the young man may have grown through a difficult youth into a decent gentleman.
The flowering period of plum blossom is much shorter than the other three flowers. As I opt for a white variety from Japan, I have to time the delivery and the shooting meticulously. Besides the flowers being pretty and aromatic in fragrance, the branches of plum blossom carry a unique beauty as they remain strong and persistent despite the harshest weather. Bondy’s wide-shoulder jacket shows a gentle touch of tenderness under the robust façade, just like the wintry blossom that is not only capable of enduring, but also giving at the same time.
Year
2023
Publication
Where The Firework Dies 煙花之地, 2023, HK
[ISBN:978-988-76921-0-2]
Position
Photographer
Art Director