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 38 results

  • Antique Kitchen God and His Wife, China (19028LAK) $995

    $995.00
    H: 10”  W: 7.75”  D: 8.25” | FREE SHIPPING

    This single statue portrays the Kitchen God and his Wife on one stand which is rare and indicates their close and lasting relationship as the protectors of the home and family. The Kitchen God and his wife were placed above the stove, a central part of the household to view and report about the morality of the family members to the Jade emperor at Chinese New Year and ahve their fate determined for the coming year. His serene face has an uncharacteristic smile  Their bright colors have faded naturally into a smooth warm patina which adds comfort and positive feng sui to any kitchen decor.

     

     

  • Antique Lacquer and Gilt Pair of Fu Lions, China (16556ZOK) $395

    $395.00
    H: 5.75″  W: 3.25″  D: 2.75″ | FREE SHIPPING

    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 and  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 carved fu lions were lost during China’s modernization.

     

     

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

    $450.00
    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  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 Fu Lion Candle Holder Pair, China (16065BAE) $395

    $395.00
    H: 5.75.”  W: 5”  D: 2.75” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This antique fu lion pair with candle holders arising from their backs look like they sprung from the mind of a Disney artist – they’re whimsical, have exaggerated features, possess a modicum of power, and command our attention while making us smile. In Buddhist traditions, fu lions were more friendly than fierce, with open mouths displaying teeth in a fanciful almost grinning pose. Following artistic traditions: they sit with forefeet on the ground, have thin bodies with rows of hair, a three-part tail, and are covered with auspicious reds and gilt. This endearing, fanciful, quirky, and delightful additions to any environment.

     

  • Antique Lacquered Wood Pair Fu Lion Furniture Bases, China (16735BSE) $595

    $595.00
    H: 4.25″  W: 2″  D: 0.75″ | FREE SHIPPING!

    During the Ming and Qing dynasties, small fu lion pairs were very popular accessories. As protectors of Buddhism, they 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. As 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.

  • Antique Ladies Vanity Cabinet with Elaborate Carving (16442LMK) $695

    $695.00
    Ht: 20.75”  W:  19.125”  D: 11” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    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) $595

    $595.00
    H: 5.625″  W: 27.875″  D: 9.75″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This charming small antique wood cabinet has two intricately carved drawers for storage and was probably made from elmwood.  Its low profile and fine lacquered finish add warmth and a touch of antique fine craftsmanship lends itself to a multitude of uses in any setting.  Auspicious symbols to bring blessings of fu carved on it include peonies and vines surrounding the butterfly pull, plum blossom and a Japanese lily on the left. The two sides have inset panel with florals and the bottom of the three sides has a decorative apron with fretwork vine design. It is covered with a warm patina which extends to the detailed brass butterfly handles. The drawers have marvelous carved wood designs.

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  • Antique Miniature Gilt Cabinet with Side Carving, China (19223BAK) $435

    $435.00
    H: 15.25”  W: 11.125”  D: 4.875” | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This cabinet painted in auspicious red and gilt with block feet and a scalloped apron is especially charming with front door panels decorated with raised rectangular registers bordered in black and gilt and a bottom drawer with original metal pulls decorated with painted florals. The ornate side panel has two small and one large deeply carved registers:  the bottom two registers have floral images: one has a peony, and the other is a couple under a willow tree.

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

    $875.00
    H: 15.5:  W: 6.125″  D: 4.125″ | free shipping!

    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.

     

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

    $295.00
    H: 9.5″  W: 5.25″  D” 3.5″ | FREE SHIPPING

    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

    $695.00
    H: 8”  W: 5.5”  D: 3.25” | FREE SHIPPING!

    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.

  • Antique Rare 5pc Piece Stoneware Altar Set, Shiwan, China (16901BLKE) $2950

    $2,950.00
    H: 15.25″  W: 24-28 ”  D: 5″ | 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 (health, wealth, longevity, a virtuous life, a natural death).

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