A vase is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. A picture of a bottle or vase symbolizes “peace” or “safety” because both the character for vase (ping 瓶) and that for peace (pingan 平安) are pronounced ping. A vase with flowers from all four seasons is a wish for peace for all the year and since it is said to contain the elixir of life, it symbolizes the fulfillment of all of one’s wishes. A gift of a vase is not only a wish for peace but, when it holds or depicts symbolic flowers or other images, it may create other rebuses. The bodhisattva Guanyin is often depicted holding a vase, pouring out the contents of a vase or seated to the side or in front of a vase (aka vial) that is a symbol of her compassion. Her vase holds “Amrita” having a wide range of curative powers described as the tears of humanity, nurturing holy water and the dew of compassion that are able to purify defilements of the body, speech and mind and relieve suffering and sickness. The vase of pure water is one of tahe Eight Symbols of Good Fortune.
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Chinese have historically used various materials for making pillows including stone, jade or wood, but long ago ceramic porcelain and earthenware became the primarily used material. Initially for sleep, ceramic ones were also used as opium pillows. Ceramic pillows were made in many forms and shapes but primarily to cradle the neck. In the winter…
This stoneware glazed garden stool was used by a wealthy family reflected in its complex designs, auspicious symbols and its use of so much cobalt blue, a highly prized and expensive mineral paint color normally used sparingly. The pierced side to side circles running through the inside from side to side and the pierced design…
Nanhai Guanyin of the South Seas images were especially popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties in both the imperially sanctioned and provincial rural traditions; this image reflects both traditions. Carved by a provincial artisan, she is a serene and majestic mature woman with a radiantly warm smile, rounded face and half-closed almond shaped eyes. …
This 5-piece apple green glazed stoneware home altar set includes a central large censor flanked by rising pairs of candlestick holders and vases. These folk art ceramics were made at the Shiwan kilns in a small town near Foshan City in Guangdong Province where renowned, popular and well modeled pieces with vivid expression and colorful…
This lovely 20th century Thai bronze statue is Guanyin, Goddess of Infinite Mercy and Compassion who hears the cries of the oppressed. She sits in meditation (dhyana mudra) hands in the lap holding her sacred vase containing amitra the sacred dew of compassion, healing and immortality that represents humanities’ tears and her the never ending…
During the Song Dynasty earthenware unglazed brick tiles made using a mould were produced to decorate inner chamber walls of tombs and government and public buildings. Used as funerary decorations to wish the deceased happiness and comfort in their afterlife, these Song Brick Tiles are another example of a mingqi ancestral item. Without knowledge of…
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