All About Wisteria
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
All About Wisteria
Wisteria is a woody climbing vine with about ten species. Wisteria vines climb steadily by twining themselves either clockwise or counterclockwise around any available support. Wisteria is hardy and fast-growing and sometimes considered to be a an invasive species. Wisteria can be proagated by hard cuttings, soft cuttings or seeds. The flowers of some wisteria are edible and used to make wine, but other species are toxic.
The Meaning of Wisteria in Chinese Art
The wisteria is called "Purple Vine" in China. In one cluster, the petals shade harmoniously from the strong, dark purple tip to the soft, light pink at the open base. Among all plants, vines are the most vivid examples of nature's playful spontaneity. When they decide to grow, they grow without knowing where to grow to. They never miss an opportunity to engage themselves in a playful act with whomever they meet....The movement of the vine dutifully records the memory of its adventures.
For more information on flower symbolism:
Illustrated Flower Symbolism Guide
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
Garden Flower Symbolism and Flower Facts
Flower Symbolism and Mary Gardens
©2008 Living Arts Enterprises LLC
References:
Yeh, Ning. An Album of Chinese Brush Painting: Eighty Paintings and Ideas. Huntington Beach, CA: Ning Yeh's Art Studio, 1986.
For Chinese brush painting supplies, please visit:
http://www.orientalartsupply.com/?afid=203
©2008 Living Arts Enterprises LLC
See a complete list of articles in our Article Library.
Article Use Policy: All content on this web site is protected by international copyright laws for intellectual property and may not be reproduced, used, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission.
Contact the author for permission to reprint articles for your own website, newsletter or other publications. Credit must be given to the author, a copyright notification must be included and a link to http://www.livingartsoriginals.com. |
