Three gods are associated with rank, emolument (salary) and success with one’s career as they assist in passing the Civil Official Examination: Lu (禄) God of Rank and Emolument, Wen Chen (文昌王), God of Literature and Kuixing (魁星) God of Examinations. Symbols of rank included apricot groves and crabs (both symbolizing success in the Civil examination), coral, (official promotion) deer (wish for government office with high salary), halbert, (rebus for “rank” or “grade”) persimmon (rebus for “official” and a wine cup.
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Fine ladies vanity cabinet covered with red lacquer and gold highlights. Parents’ gift to newlyweds with auspicious symbols for happiness, long life and having sons reflecting Confucian belief that producing sons to carry on the family name is essential to happiness.
This excellently carved civilian official with gilt highlights was commissioned by a family to place on a home altar for veneration and to impress those who viewed it. The imposing ancestor figure grasps his belt of office to show his pride in passing examinations to become a civil official, which leads to a life of rank and prosperity for him and his family. Statues like this are an affirmation of persistence, success, status and power and they honor those who display these characteristics.
Initially linked to the Big Dipper in Chinese mythology, Wen Chang is worshipped in the 3rd and 8th months as the God of several spheres: Literature, Books and Writing, Education, Learning and Examinations and is the patron saint of scholars. As one of the revered Taoist-deities, hero and one of the house-gods closely associated with…
This finely detailed hardwood mold was used to make sweetmeats confections, perhaps mooncakes for the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. It is covered with deeply carved propitious symbols for marital harmony, sons and successful endeavors: a four clawed dragon for fertility, two ducks symbolizing marital bliss and harmony, one atop a carp for conjugal bliss and achieving noble rank and a boat with a sail for making all this easy sailing. This would be a great accessory or gift (especially for weddings) to spice up any kitchen.
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