This story by Feng Jicai is set in the aftermath of the Chinese cultural revolution. A famous painter struggling emotionally with being banned from practicing his art finds solace, firstly in the beauty of phoenix-tail chrysanthemums growing in a greenhouse, and later in clandestinely carving ornate pipes. The story contrasts the shallow, selfish nature of the painter’s admirers and peers with the humble generosity of the old greenhouse-keeper, who may be the only character who truly appreciates his artistry. Themes include the beauty of nature, artistic passion and the psychological impact of suppressing it, intellectual snobbery, misjudgement, regret.
