The Four Gentlemen and the Three Friends of Winter

Common designs used on Japanese pottery and porcelain are the Four Gentlemen and the Three Friends of Winter.

The Four Gentlemen design or "shi kun shi" (四君子), consists of the orchid, plum, bamboo and chrysanthemum.

The Three Friends of Winter design or "sho chiku bai" (松竹梅), consists of pine, bamboo and plum. (See example below)