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.

  • Sale! Antique Carved Box with Auspicious Symbols, China #11325B-GHL

    Antique Carved Box with Auspicious Symbols, China #11325B-GHL

    Original price was: $325.00.Current price is: $285.00.
    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.

    Add to cartDone
  • Sale! Antique Lacquer Cabinet on Carved Stand with Interior Drawer, China (16445)

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

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

    Small Fujian elm cabinet made for the China’s new wealthy merchant class in 18-1900s . Red lacquer with auspicious symbols for the Five Happinesses: health, wealth, longevity, virtue and a peaceful death. Were often gifts for newlyweds as desire for double happiness and fruitful marriage with sons.

     

    Add to cartDone
    Add to quote
  • Sale! Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China (16005)

    Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China (16005)

    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

    Charming antique low profile lacquered finished chest adds warmth to any setting. Drawers with carved auspicious symbols for the Five Happinesses include peonies, vines, butterflies, plum blossom and a Japanese lily. Inset panel with florals and decorative apron and brass butterfly handles.

    Add to cartDone
    Add to quote
  • Sale! Antique Pair Double Happiness Oil Lamps, China (16915)

    Antique Pair Double Happiness Oil Lamps, China (16915)

    Original price was: $295.00.Current price is: $165.00.
    H:9.25  ”    W: 5.25 ”    D: 3.5 ”    | CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    Pair of oil lamps for good fortune with diamond shaped double lozenge meaning many treasures, and plum blossoms, symboling  the Five Happinesses – wealth, health, longevity, peaceful death and love of virtue.

    Add to cartDone
    Add to quote
  • Sale! Antique Two Sided Sweetmeat Confection-Mold, China #3562

    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.

    Add to cartDone
    Add to quote
  • Sale! Vintage Chinese Noh Opera Doll Acrylic Stand, China (1301D)

    Vintage Chinese Noh Opera Doll Acrylic Stand, China (1301D)

    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.

    Charming Chinese Nuo Opera dancer wearing a costume with 5-petal plum blossoms symbolizing a wish for the Five  Happinesses: prosperity, long life, health, a virtuous life and natural death.

    Add to cartDone
  • Sale! Vintage Female Doll in Ceremonial Dress on Stand, China (1301C)

    Vintage Female Doll in Ceremonial Dress on Stand, China (1301C)

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

    Chinese opera dancer doll with elaborate headdress and 5-petal plum blossom on sash symbolizing the Five Happinesses: prosperity, long life, health, living a virtuous life and dying a natural death.

    Add to cartDone

End of content

End of content