This exquisite painting from the Qing Dynasty is titled Daylilies and Butterflies by the artist Yu Zhi. The daylily, also known as Xuan grass, symbolizes forgetfulness in Chinese culture. The flower's alternative name, worry-free, is a testament to its ability to evoke tranquility and peace of mind. Historically revered in China, the daylily is often referred to as the mother's flower. The famed Chinese poet Meng Jiao once wrote Daylilies bloom by the household steps, while a wandering child travels afar, a loving mother waits by the door, yet the daylilies blossom. Within the painting, the slender green leaves and vibrant blossoms of the daylilies attract two fluttering butterflies, serving as a metaphor for a wandering child returning to the warmth and joy of a mother's embrace.
Shannon. Durham, NC. Thu Nov 06 2025
