The gentleman – no one knows where he came from, nor his family name or given name. Beside his house there are five willow trees, so he takes that as his style. He is quiet, tranquil, and sparing of speech; he does not covet fame or profit. He loves to read, but does not…
by Tao Yuanming (Eastern Jin Dynasty) The gentleman’s origins are unknown, and his name and surname are unrecorded. Since five willow trees grew beside his home, he took “Master Five Willows” as his sobriquet.