Plum

The plum (mei 梅) signifies the first month of the lunar calendar. The blossoms symbolize courage, hope, purity and endurance, as it is the first to bloom during winter, a welcomed sign of the coming of spring renewal, and, therefore, a symbol of a hearty old age (longevity). Its 5 petals evokes the Five Blessings or Happinesses (wufu 五福) longevity(寿), wealth(富), health (康宁), virtue(修好德), and to die a natural death in old age(考 终命). The plum (mei) is also a homophone for eyebrow (mei) and bushy or long eyebrow symbolize longevity. This five petaled motif is common in Chinese dance and opera costumes, doll and puppet images as well as decorative accessories and furniture.

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  • Antique Carved Box with Auspicious Symbols, China (11325B-GHL) SPECIAL PRICE

    $325.00
    H: 6.375″ W: 10.75″ D: 7.125″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This charming carved and lacquered multi-use box opens from the top and has a side drawer with a metal pull. It is decorated with auspicious carved symbols for a good, healthy, prosperous and long life  Carved fu lion heads with flowing manes adorn the front and plum blossoms and a fan the front and frame.  Painted calligraphic phrases refer to a wish for many sons. It was likely a wedding gift to newlyweds and still for that or other purpose.

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

    Original price was: $450.00.Current price is: $325.00.
    H: 22 ”    W: 21.5 ”    D: .12.25 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    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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    Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China #16005LMK

    Original price was: $595.00.Current price is: $375.00.
    H: 5.625″ W: 27.875″ D: 9.75″ | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING

    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 Pair of Double Happiness Oil Lamps, China #16915BAE

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $175.00.
    H:9.25  ”    W: 5.25 ”    D: 3.5 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    The pair of antique oil lamps was meant to bring good luck and happiness decorated on top with a double lozenge, a diamond shaped symbol is a lucky object that is a protective sign casting out demons and means “many treasures.” The five leaves are plum blossoms, symbols of perseverance and purity, and the Five Blessings or Happinesses – wealth, health, longevity, a peaceful death and the love of virtue As an  oil lamp it was used with a wick hanging over the side.

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    Antique Two Sided Sweetmeat Confection-Mold, China #3562

    Original price was: $425.00.Current price is: $310.00.
    Ht: 1.25″   W: 15″    D:14.87″   |  CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING COST

    This intricately hand carved gold and silver platter with indentations on both sides was used to make confections called sweetmeats eaten at festivals, holidays, and other key celebrations. The round molds symbolize the moon and cohesion of the family. The 5-petal plum blossoms attached to vines symbolize  purity and endurance, as well as  the coming of spring, renewal, and longevity. The multiple seeds are a wish for fertility and sons, and thus this mold  may have been a holiday and/or marriage gift to a young couple.

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    Vintage Female Doll in Ceremonial Dress, China #1301C-EAO

    Original price was: $195.00.Current price is: $135.00.
    H: 8.75 ”    W: 4  ”    D:3.125  ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This doll is a Chinese opera dancer whose costume decorated with 5-petal plum blossom on the sash symbolizing longevity and, with its 5 petals, a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses: prosperity, long life, health, living a virtuous life and dying a natural death.

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    Vintage Female Doll in Ceremonial Dress, Acrylic Stand, China #1301D-EAO

    Original price was: $195.00.Current price is: $135.00.
    H: 10.5 ”    W: 3.5 ”    D:  3.125″    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This charmingChinese Nuo Opera dancer wears a costume decorated with 5-petal plum blossoms symbolizing longevity and a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses: prosperity, long life, health, living a virtuous life and dying a natural death.

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    Vintage Male Doll Holding a Peach, China #1301A-EAO

    Original price was: $195.00.Current price is: $135.00.
    H: 9.25″ W: 3.125″ D: 3″ | Free SHipping within continental u.s.!

    Originally mounted on the wood stick between his legs and now inserted to its acrylic stand, this vintage male doll is an attendant offering a huge peach. His large oval head is almost bald and his black hair remains only in a small patches on the sides of his head. He wears a typical colorful folk-art Chinese dance costume: bright red shoes, yellow pants, a greenish-blue coat with florals, a high sequined yellow belt,  and a wide blue sash outlined with silver and gold thread and colored 5-petal silver sequin plum blossoms hanging down to the base evoking a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses. It is in very good condition with expected wear and minor paint losses and charming spotting on the face.

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