The chrysanthemum (ju 菊) is a symbol of intellectual pursuits, immortality and, especially, a happy long life (longevity) due to its many legends and health-providing properties and because it is a homophone of “forever” (yongjiu 永久). Flowering in the ninth month and symbolizing both the number nine (jiu 九) and autumn, it represents longevity. Its blossoms resemble the sun and wine and tea made from its petals are said to extend life, encourage good health and lower ones blood pressure and cholesterol. The joy of growing them in middle or old age and, returning to nature and a serene life has been a widespread Chinese poetic theme for over 1600 years. The Chinese drink these teas and wines on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month to prolong their lives and to replicate Ming dynasty “Chrysanthemum Moon” historical celebrations. The flower had a large presence in imperial gardens, appears in all forms of art and is still believed in China to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
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This charming miniature ewer or small pitcher was made during the Tongzhi Period 1856-1875) and used to pour soy sauce, oils or other liquids. The spout and handle are elegantly curved and thick cobalt blue designs are set on a spotted grey ground with a chrysanthemum on each side and abstract plantain curved vertical leaf…
Chrysanthemum and bindweed decorative motifs are often used deigns on surfaces of underglaze cobalt blue and white porcelains, were especially popular in the 1860s – 1880s during the Tongzhi period and appear on both domestic and export ceramic pieces. Since bindweed grows wrapped around pine trees, it is a symbol of the close attachments formed…
This small elm cabinet is from Fujian province known for its unique style of highly decorative vernacular furniture. Large and small items were constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery that made pieces stable, lengthened their life, and allowed woods to adapt to Asia’s variability in humidity and temperature. Pleasing a new wealthy merchant class, vernacular furniture was…
Kyo Ware (Kyoto or Kiyomizu ware), the world-famous pottery made in Kyoto, Japan near the Kiyomizu Temple is an important and historic Buddhist monument and UNESCO Heritage Site. Designated as one of the Traditional Crafts of Japan by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, teaware, including teapots, teacups, pouring-vessels and items for the Japanese…
The enamel painted designs on the front of this Yixing teapot have recognizable symbols relating to a wish for long and healthy life. This scene from the Peking opera Romance of Three Kingdoms romanticizes historical Han dynasty Three Kingdoms period events and includes symbolic images of the two bowing men on the left holding brooms…
During the Song Dynasty earthenware unglazed brick tiles made using a mould were produced to decorate inner chamber walls of tombs and government and public buildings. Used as funerary decorations to wish the deceased happiness and comfort in their afterlife, these Song Brick Tiles are another example of a mingqi ancestral item. Without knowledge of…
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