Fu

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 .

Showing 13–24 of 39 results

  • Sale!

    Antique Kitchen God and His Wife, China (16850H-BME) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $785.00.Current price is: $667.25.
    H: 7.75″  W: 3.25″  D: 2.375″ | free shipping within Continental U.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.

     

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    Antique Lacquer and Gilt Pair of Fu Lions, China (16556ZOK)

    Original price was: $395.00.Current price is: $335.75.
    H: 5.75″  W: 3.25″  D: 2.75″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    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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    Antique Lacquer Cabinet on Carved Stand with Interior Drawer, China (16445LME) $450

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $382.50.
    H: 22″  W: 21.5″  D: 12.25″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This elm storage cabinet has lacquered and painted door panels with auspicious paintings of birds, foliage, and florals. One door panel has a magpie on a plum tree and the other has a tree with a chrysanthemum below –  together they are wishes for double happiness, the birth of sons, and longevity.

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    Antique Lacquered Wood Pair Fu Lions, China (16735BSE) $595

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $505.75.
    H: 4.25″  W: 2″  D: 0.75″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    During the Ming and Qing dynasties, small fu lion pairs were popular indoor and out door accessories. As protectors of Buddhism, fu lions are both menacing and friendly and this remarkably fanciful pair of crouching beasts joyously reflects both traits, with floppy ears, smiling open mouthed faces with tongues hanging out, and curled tails versus bushy eyebrows, bulging eyes and long pointed nails. Originally decorations on furniture with flat rear sides, they can stand alone as decorative accessories or even be a great pair of bookends. However they are used, they are guaranteed to bring a smile to those who are fortunate to see them on a regular basis.

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    Antique Ladies Vanity Cabinet with Elaborate Carving (16442LMK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $590.75.
    Ht: 20.75” W: 19.125” D: 11” |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This very fine ladies vanity cabinet is covered with red lacquer, the color of blessings (fu), highlighted with gold and deeply carved and painted decorations of auspicious symbols to bring happiness, good fortune, long life and many sons to the elite couple who may have received it as a wedding gift by parents in hopes of them successfully carrying on the family tradition.  This is a reflection of the Confucian belief having sons to carry on the family name is essential to real happiness.

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    Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China (16005LMK) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $505.75.
    H: 5.625″ W: 27.875″ D: 9.75″ | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    The low profile and fine lacquered finish of this charming antique wood chest add warmth and a touch of antique fine craftsmanship to any setting. The two intricately carved drawers for storage lend it to a multitude of uses. Carved auspicious symbols to bring the Five Blessings or Happinesses include peonies and vines, butterflies, plum blossom and a Japanese lily. The sides have inset panel with florals and the bottom has a decorative apron with a beautiful fretwork vine design. Its warm patina extends to the detailed brass butterfly handles.

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    Antique Official in Red Robes with a Hu Tablet, China (16851BOK)

    Original price was: $875.00.Current price is: $743.75.
    H: 15.5″ W: 6.125″ D: 4.125″ | free shipping within continental u.s.!

    This fine ancestor figure portrayed as a Chinese official with many indications of his high status. He sits on a backless chair upon a high decorative pedestal upon which his feet rest and . He wears officials attire: a futou cap and high collared red robe with double belt extending to his shoes. He sits in a formal pose with hands on his thighs holding a long slender  hu tablet. His facial hairs indicate a mustache and beard, now partially lost, on his gilt colored face.

     

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    Antique Pair of Double Happiness Oil Lamps, China (16915BAE) $295

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $250.75.
    H: 9.5″ W: 5.25″ D” 3.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.

    Each of the antique carved wood oil lamps of this pair is filled with auspicious symbols to bring health, wealth and happiness to its owner – both in the past and in the present. Their vertical shafts are composed of stylized double happiness characters mounted on a rounded stand on four feet. Painted in gold and red for good luck, their articulated decorative rectangular tops are covered with carved lozenge designs and five-leaf plum blossoms on each side.

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    Antique Pair of Stone Fu Lions, China (17044BOE) $695

    Original price was: $695.00.Current price is: $590.75.
    H: 8” W: 5.5” D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This is a really great pair of stone small fu lions with lots of character, humor, and detailed carving. Each of these very joyous creatures has open mouthed smiling faces with radiant eyebrows and tufts below their chins, scalloped manes and bushy tails. Carved from one piece of a blackish hard stone they could easily withstand additional wear of the elements in a garden. Pairs of fu lions like this belong in the home of people who appreciate spirituality and wish for happiness and fortune along with a touch of wit and whimsy.

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    Antique Rare 5pc Piece Stoneware Altar Set, Shiwan Kiln, China (16901BLKE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $2,950.00.Current price is: $2,507.50.
    H: 15.25″ W: 24-30″ D: 5″ | EMAIL [email protected] OR CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING COST

    This rare 5 piece green glazed Shiwan stoneware altar set consists of a censor at the center flanked on each side by a pair of candlestick holders and vases. Each elegant piece has a coordinated glaze and decorative and structural designs with intricate, well-proportioned features to combine as a wish for symbolic wish for the fulfillment of all of one’s wishes including the 5-blessings (longevity, health, wealth, a virtuous life, a natural death).

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    Antique Seated Ancestor Official, China (16289BME) $650

    Original price was: $650.00.Current price is: $552.50.
    H: 7.25” W: 4.625” D: 3.5” | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This finely carved ancestor wears official’s attire and hat and sits in a horseshoe chair with his feet on a pedestal to emphasize his power and status, although he appears to be a lovwer level civilian official.  It is masterfully carved and lacquered and is painted on front and back in red  with traces of gilt – all propitious colors of “fu” as a wish for wealth, health, good fortune, long life and long life – that has faded over it years of use into a great patina.

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    Antique Shiwan Offering Bowl, Peaches and Lotuses, Shiwan, China (19330A-BLE) $450 SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $382.50.
    H: 5.5″ Dia: 6″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Shiwan stoneware fruit offerings were especially popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties when they were placed on temple or home altars to communicate and venerate ancestors, augment fresh offerings and bring auspicious blessings of fu to families presenting them. The three peaches interwoven with lotuses are associated with springtime, fertility, and especially a long healthy life for many generations. They are considered propitious gifts for birthdays, especially for the elderly.

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