"Ao Han" 《傲寒》~ "Standing Tall Majestically, with Perseverance, through difficult times.", Lao Duan Ni 老段泥, by YiXing's Top Ornate Class Artist L4 Assoc Master Zhang Xue Lei 张雪磊, 助理工艺美术师 ~ Congratulations to Mr J.C.K., 1753hrs 25th Apr, Rio Rancho, NM.

傲寒, its two characters,傲 as in 傲立, 傲视群雄, meaning proudly standing tall, proudly overlooking the rest.寒 is cold, and infers to the winter.Xue Lei wisely designed this Ornate class work, with the features crafted in likeness to the Plum Blossoms.  Because Plum Blossoms is the only flower that will bloom and also persevere through the winter, Xue Lei crafted this work in likeness of the Plum Blossoms, and named this work 傲寒, to inspire the user to have strength of good character that will enable one to traverse the toughest times.  A more literal meaning is to stand tall, majestically, and with perseverance, through difficult times. Inscription on the base, "遥知不是雪，为有暗香来" 远远的就知道洁白的梅花不是雪，因为有梅花的幽香传来。用来形容人的高贵品格像梅花一样带有香气，不畏惧严寒。 From afar, I know it is the white Plum Blossoms and not the Snow, because of the fragrance of the Plum Blossoms. This phrase is to encourage one to have an honorable, clean and upright character, because having this good character will repel difficulties.  Presenting Th