Ribbons (dai 带) are often displayed wrapped around objects and are referred to as fillets. They and impart importance to the power of the object they surround since they are perceived as rays or auras emanating from the object and symbolize miraculous powers. The Chinese character dai also means “to carry” which has the same pronunciation as (dai 代) which means “generations”. Thus, when a ribbon connects two or more auspicious objects, its meaning is “to carry the auspicious wish such as good luck for generations. When a it is attached to an official seal or medal (shou dai绶带), Shou (绶) has the same pronunciation as “longevity” (shou 寿) and means “longevity for generations”. Chinese always use red ribbons since red represents joy for marriages and other festive occasions. A long ribbon (shoudai) tied in a bow around a vase is a Chinese homophone symbolizing longevity (shou). Ribbons around the necks of porcelain cat teapots reinforce the imagery of the teapot as a wish for a long life.
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This charming vintage porcelain cat teapot with raised paw for pouring tea, removable head and a sinuous tail handle is whimsical and colorful with a red ribbon collar, green bow and green, black and red accents defining the expressive face, ears, head and paws, all beautifully hand-painted.
Large, charming antique cat teapot with raised paw spout and spiral tail, gold decorative collar with dangles. Gesture of greeting and hospitality that welcome good luck and fortune.
This earthenware brick tile bordered with a deep scalloped frame depicts a vase with a bouquet of propitious flowers: a chrysanthemum and a peony wrapped with an elegant ribbon. Tiles like this were made to decorate the large numbers of buildings created during the prosperous Song dynasty and to adorn tombs. This elegant brick is in good condition for its age with expected chips and cracks, some restoration of background and a re-glued frame break on each side. It has earth adherents from its burial in a tomb.
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