The Chinese word fu (福) is translated as happiness, blessings and good fortune and the wish for fu is represented by well recognized symbols is ubiquitous in all aspects of Chinese life displayed in architecture, furniture, functional and utilitarian objects, porcelains and pottery, textiles, clothing, jewelry and other decorative accessories. Red is the color of fu which is also complemented and enhanced by gilt. The character fu is auspicious, as are their homophones and rebuses. A bat (fu 蝠) is a homophone for “good fortune” or “happiness” as its tone is very similar to the tone to for fu (福) As they are homophones, the bat is a symbol and also a visual pun (rebus) for good luck, often found in colored red. When the character for fu (福) or the representation of a bat are upside-down, it signifies that ‘good fortune has arrived’ since the word for ‘arrive in Chinese sounds like the word fo ‘upside-down., another Chinese homophone. Five bats represent the Five Blessings or Happinesses .
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VA’s most unique and finely crafted Kitchen God couple. Beautifully carved, clasping hu tablets, approachable features, smiling lips. Painted character on base wish for “happiness.” Add positive chi, enhance feng-shui.Unique house warming/wedding gifts.
This very fine pair of antique carved males fu lions represents the dual nature of these mythical animals: as protective images they are powerful and fierce, as Buddhist images they are whimsical with smiling faces, dangling tongues, hanging ears and bushy tails. They are extremely well carved with harnesses and bells around their necks, detailed manes and tails on high intricately decorated bases to signal their importance. Perfect for enhancing feng shui in a home or office, large finely decorative wood pairs like this are extremely hard to find.
Dressed in a red robe with a high neck collar, extremely wide sleeves extending below the knees and a belt around his waist, this ancestor figure portrayed as a civilian official standing on a rectangular base with hands together wearing a long civil official’s robe that extends to his shoes but has no rank badge indicated.
This exceptionally crafted and beautiful footed confection mould was most probably a marriage gift from a wealthy family to the newlyweds as seen its symbolisms. It is elaborated and ornately decorated in vibrant reds and gilt with auspicious symbols for fidelity, fertility and happiness with lotuses and pods filled with seeds, bats, paired fish and intertwined vines representing a life pair, having sons, and other marriage wishes.
This ancestor figure, carved in boxwood the preferred wood softwood during the Qing Dynasty, is portrayed in the characteristic pose of a Chinese civilian official, grasping his official’s belt with his right hand to demonstrate his important stature – which was really not so important for this gentleman, given his humble seating furniture and his modest attire. His right hand rests on the his knee as he sits erect on a thick low-back pedestal. Unlike many officials who are serious, this one is more approachable, with simple deeply carved smiling features, high arching brows and a black painted mustache and beard.
The auspicious symbols on this charming document holder which are puns for “harmony and unity in marriage” indicate it was it was probably a wedding gift. And would serve that purpose admirably today as a decorative practical accessory and something you won’t find on a wedding registry.
Taoist God of Wealth (Caishen) portrayed as benevolent authoritative figure associated with wealth: holds tael, robe with coin decorations, painted with red and gold.
Given the auspicious images on this finely crafted red and gilt jewelry box, it was probably a wedding gift for a fortunate couple as a wish for fertility, harmony and many and sons. The doors have a carved lotus symbolizing beauty and purity and the top has 5 bats surrounding a longevity roundel. When depicted on a box, it means as “May you have a harmonious marriage with the Five Blessings” (longevity, health, wealth, virtue and a peaceful death) and signifies completeness, togetherness and harmony.
Finely carved Kitchen God and his wife, mirror images on backless chairs with multi-sided pedestals reflecting reverent and responsibility to protect the home. Naturally darkened lacquer, soft patina. Male with consecration covering, female open with contents. Unique house warming/wedding gift.
Husband and wife Kitchen Gods are near mirror images with similar layered gold officials’ robes, clasped hands covered in ritual cloth. Excellent condition, fine patinas. Consecration script remaining in wife’s cavity but not in husband’s.
Finely detailed and carved from dense wood, this Kitchen God and his Wife monitor the members of the home from their perch above the stove. On Chinese New Year Zao Shen reports to the Jade Emperor in Heaven and a positive report bringsblessings and good fortune, while and unfavorable one brings misfortune. Family members often smear honey on his mouth to sweeten the report. Near mirror images they wear layered gold officials’ robes with decorative sashes and symbolically hold a hu tablet. They are in excellent condition and add positive chi and enhance feng shui. Kitchen Gods especially pairs are now rare and very collectible and make unique wedding and house gifts.
This small elm cabinet is from Fujian province known highly decorative vernacular for the new wealthy merchant class. Vernacular furniture was often red lacquer with auspicious symbols. The left door has a magpie on plum tree branch and the right a magpie with a chrysanthemum. The magpie is the bird of joy and happiness and the magpie and chrysanthemum mean “May the whole family be happy,” The a plum symbolizes longevity) and when they have 5 leaves are a wish for the Five Joys/Happinesses: health, wealth, longevity, a life of virtue and a peaceful death. These cabinets were perfect gifts for newlyweds as a desire for double happiness, a long and fruitful marriage with sons
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