Auspicious Symbols

Chinese art is flush with auspicious images as wishes for blessings (fu), wealth, longevity, fertility and sons, achievement of high status, harmony and many others. These symbols are readily understood by all and are used to decorate all types of folk and religious art such as sculpture, painting, ceramics, textiles and furniture. In addition to the Chinese Eight Treasures, other popular auspicious images include Scholarly Objects: a book, brush, lute, ink stone ink cake or scrolled paper; Wealth and Prosperity Symbols: coins, gold or silver bars, paper money, clouds, crabs, dear, scepter; Rank and Success: peacock feathers, wine cup, peony; Harmony and Peace: flowers, teapot, vase; Long Life: Longevity gods, plum blossoms, bats, butterflies, crane, pine, scepter for power and wealth ….and many more.

There are many Hindu auspicious symbols including the conch shell (shankha), an auspicious symbol signifying the five elements: water, fire, air, earth and space or void. When blown, the conch produces the sacred sound (om), which embodies divine energy and the primal sound from which all creation evolved.

Showing 25–29 of 29 results

Sale!
SOLD Antique Lacquer and Gilt Pair of Fu Lions, China (16556)
Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $350.00.
H: 5.75″ W: 3.25″ D: 2.75″ | SOLD

Each of this whimsical gold and red-burgundy lacquered pair of male fu lions sits erect on a high pedestal heads thrown back with flaring ears, bulging eyes, decorative stylized manes and a small bushy tail. Their spirituality is displayed by the pair silently emitting the blessed mantra “aum”: the open mouthed lion forming an “au,” and the other completing it with a closed mouth to form “mmm.” The workmanship on these pieces is masterful, although rustic and provincial, and they are rare with their Buddhist symbolism and because most pairs of fu lions pairs were lost during China’s modernization.

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SOLD Antique Latticework Cupboard Door, Auspicious Symbols, China (10506)
Original price was: $495.00.Current price is: $395.00.
H: 37″ W: 16″ | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

Fine open-lattice fret work cupboard door with auspicious symbols of blessings associated with a fulfilling life: longevity, wealth/ prosperity, health/peace of mind and love of virtue/high moral standards as well as a happy marriage. .

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SOLD Porcelain Immortal, Chinese Republic, China (17042)
$295.00
H: 12” W: 4.5” D: 3” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

This elegant Chinese Republic Period porcelain is the Taoist immortal Han Xiangzi carrying his auspicious flute dressed in a beautiful blue robe with wide black borders, fine internal decorations and a decorative yellow floral undergarment. On the bottom is the kiln seal. As the patron saint of musicians and florists, it is a great gift for someone who enjoys these pursuits.

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SOLD Song Dynasty Tile of Woman Ascending to Heaven, China (3348BLK) $445
Original price was: $445.00.Current price is: $325.00.
Chinese funerary tiles, as forms of mingqi adorned tomb as early as the Han dynasty depicting everyday scenes, entertainment, mythical beasts, folklore, history, literature and poetry. A Han stone tomb relief rubbing in Stories from China’s Past (p. 173) labeled “Ascending to Heaven in Deer Chariot” is reflective of this Song brick-tile. During the Song…

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Vintage Heddle Pulley with a Mythical Lion (3303)
Original price was: $245.00.Current price is: $175.00.
Ht: 12” W: 4.125” D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

Vintage Burmese teak heddle-pulley used in strip-weaving on small handlooms. Here surmounted by a ferocious mythical lion as guardian of Buddhist law. Mythical beasts believed to protect the weaver and assure high quality weaving.

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