Page 255 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 248
Artists sign pictures with one or another of their names, depending on the identity of
the person for whom the picture is intended. Special reference works list the various
names used by artists. In general, it may be said that Chinese names tell us more about
the character and personality of their bearers than ours do; they are not standardised.

Narcissus

shui-xian

The literal meaning of the Chinese words shui-xian is ‘water-immortal’. As the plant
blooms round about the New Year, it makes a suitable symbol of luck in the coming
year. It is supposed to have been introduced into the southern Chinese province of Fujian
by Arab traders, about AD 1000. It is in the folklore of this province that the narcissus
plays a significant part, and flower growers there try to breed varieties that look like
tigers or fairies.

Narcissus and peony