In traditional Chinese art and culture, symbolism has always played a major role, with highly regarded, auspicious symbols for our journey through life.
In traditional Chinese art, symbolism has always played a significant part, with highly regarded, auspicious symbols for births, weddings, wishes for long life and congratulations for birthdays.
Many of these symbols, either as a written character or as an artistic device have been in use in China for literally thousands of years, so that the derivation of some symbols have been lost to memory. However, even in modern China, these ancient meanings persist, still deeply rooted in the Chinese psyche.
Some are archaic with origins from Imperial dynasties three or four thousand years old with others originating from Chinese Buddhism. Many symbols also relate to Taoism, but most are derived from Confusion philosophic thought with its focus on the seasons and the natural world.
Many of these symbols are discreet, requiring a foreknowledge of their meaning. They are able to be read and when understood, convey a much greater depth of meaning to the observer.
Some of the more popular symbols are -:
Bamboo - stands for longevity and courage in adversity. As it is an evergreen and because it grows straight, it was a popular symbol for mandarins and represented an honest official.
Bats - the homonym "fu" stands for both "bat" and "happiness", hence the bat is a popular symbol. Five bats shown together signify the Five Blessings: longevity, health, wealth, virtue and a natural death.
Crane -the crane is another longevity symbol as the bird was thought to live for two thousand years. A bird flying or looking towards the sun represents a desire to rise high in the government hierarchy.
Dragons – a symbol derived from ancient traditions. This celebrated symbol ranks first among all. The five-clawed dragon was reserved for the Emperor from ancient times until the end of the last dynasty. The four-clawed dragon associates with royalty and the three-clawed dragon with the Chinese people.
Chrysanthemum - one of the four important flower emblems signifying autumn and a contented middle age.
These are just five of the traditional symbols found in Chinese classical and decorative art. Just five from the hundreds with the “hidden meanings “of symbolism.
A good rule of thumb when buying antiques - don’t buy for investment, buy for love. If you purchase an antique lamp that you love and use, then it’s a good investment!.
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