Rain for China’s agricultural needs are produced by clouds (yun), so they are auspicious symbols, a visual pun and a homophone for fortune (yun) and good fortune (fuyun). There are also wish granting clouds (ruyiyun) symbolizing the granting of all one’s wishes as they echo the shape of and are a homophone for the wish granting wand (ruyi) which means “as you wish” or “may all your wishes come true.” Yunwen is another word for the swirling cloud forms painted on Han Dynasty cocoon jars and elsewhere in Chinese art. As the top portion of the wish granting wand (ruyi) echoes the shape of the wish granting sacred fungus (lingzhi), they are also seen as homophonic puns with the same meaning.
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This exceptional official is one of the most significant ancestor figures in our collection. His attire, glass eyes and distinct facial features indicate a wise man of importance who commands respect. Cranes and clouds symbolize longevity, wisdom, good fortune and emphasize his high rank.
Finely carved from dense wood Mazu is the Heavenly Empress on a horseshoe chair, holding official’s girdle, phoenix hat with outstretched wings and cloud collar symbolizing her place in heaven.
Seated imperiously on a horseshoe chair with carved title “Holy Mother in Heaven,” Mazu is depicted in the imperial style, with a regal flat topped headdress, elaborate robes with dragons, official’s girdle in red and gilt.
Masterful carving of Shen Nong, revered hero and reputed father of both Natural Medicine and Agriculture. Benevolent, sitting on cloud, leaves on shoulders. One of 3 sovereigns who contributed to well-being of humanity. Especially fitting for health care, pharmaceutical or agricultural professional or associated with tea.
This stone flu lion is not an elegant protective beast, it’s just a friendly pet hanging out. He probably lived in a garden and is looking for another one with people like old wonderful pieces to remind them not to take themselves too seriously.
Probably placed on a home altar with other carving, this Taoist official holds a long, curved hu, wearing a high hat, collared robe with painted cobalt blue clouds and official’s belt. Consecrated with original script inside.
Families placed cocoon jars with auspicious designs containing magical mixtures of mulberry leaves in tombs for souls of the departed to drink for a transformative afterlife. Ovoid shaped, it rests on a trumpet-shaped foot decorated with elegant cloud scrolls and circular “eye” motifs.
Colorful bearded official/entertainer doll with traditional hat, dark blue and gold robe holding paper clappers castanets. Mounted on lucite.
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