Picture This! Symbol & Meaning In Chinese Decorative Arts
The crane is believed to live a very long life, so it is a symbol for longevity. Next to the phoenix, it is the second most important winged animal in the Chinese pantheon of animals. A pair of cranes is a symbol of long marriage and ultimate longevity.
A rooster is the symbol for reliability, epitome of fidelity and punctuality. Since the Chinese pronunciation for the rooster’s crest is the same as official, it is also a symbol of advantage. To give a rooster as a gift is to wish someone luck in attaining public office or a promotion.
3. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Porcelain
97.40.250
4. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Porcelain, jade
2005.9.1
5. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Milk glass, inner painting
97.40.287
To paint the inside of the bottle, the artist must paint backwards. A skilled artist may complete a simple bottle in a week while something special may take a month or more.
Picture This! Symbol & Meaning In Chinese Decorative Arts
The crane is believed to live a very long life, so it is a symbol for longevity. Next to the phoenix, it is the second most important winged animal in the Chinese pantheon of animals. A pair of cranes is a symbol of long marriage and ultimate longevity.
A rooster is the symbol for reliability, epitome of fidelity and punctuality. Since the Chinese pronunciation for the rooster’s crest is the same as official, it is also a symbol of advantage. To give a rooster as a gift is to wish someone luck in attaining public office or a promotion.
3. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Porcelain
97.40.250
4. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Porcelain, jade
2005.9.1
5. Snuff bottle
ca. 20th century
Milk glass, inner painting
97.40.287
To paint the inside of the bottle, the artist must paint backwards. A skilled artist may complete a simple bottle in a week while something special may take a month or more.