zhu collection In Chinese art, bamboo (zhu, or 竹), pine and plum were named as “three friends in severe winters” as they thrive in the chilling conditions. Chinese have praised zhu for its upright and sturdy characters as each bamboo section grows upward courageously, resembling a virtuous life. Their hollow stems reminds of the urge to acquire more knowledge, thus symbolize longevity, dignity, honesty and strong will.
