“Fine fragrance does unfurl as the last red petal falls—It is aptly
called the flower king! Proudly flaunting unparalleled beauty, there
could be no sweeter scent.”
「 落盡殘紅始吐芳、佳名喚作百花王；競誇天下無雙艷、獨佔人間第一香。」
─ Peony by Pi Rixiu (Tang Dynasty) 唐朝 皮日休《牡丹》

According to Pi Rixiu’s poetic praises, the peony has long been viewed as a symbol of wealth. Zhou Dunyi, a

Song Dynasty official once wrote that “Peonies — truly, a treasure among flowers.”

The positive imagery of peonies flows from the brush of Michael Lin, who adopts traditional Taiwanese peony

cloth (grandma’s floral cloth) as the primary visual focus in this series. Lin fosters a dialogue between worldly matters of generations and contemporary art, and in doing so has produced a critically acclaimed result. Lin’s vivid work is often seen in various modern art exhibitions throughout various countries in Asia and the West, and he has swiftly charmed the international art scene with his depictions of traditional Taiwanese peony floral cloth. In 2000, Lin was commissioned to paint peonies and phoenixes on the floor of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum's main lobby. His floral cloth represents a local lifestyle deeply rooted in contemporary art while remaining fresh, offering viewers a brand-new interpretation of local color.

The peach pink and bright orange peonies in Flowers possess a sense of traditional elegance and a leisurely aura

while the leaves and the background form a layout of cuttings that resemble geometrical figures and splitting cracks. They appear altogether detached yet remain connected to one another. Different color blocks are put together, exhibiting a beautifully succinct aesthetic. The composition highlights two large peonies, revealing the thriving and flourishing nature of myriad flowers in full bloom.