Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Author:Terese Tse Bartholomew Can decorative objects increase one's wealth, happiness, or longevity? Traditionally, many Chinese have believed that they cold- provided they include the appropriate auspicious symbols. In Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, Terese Tse Bartholomew, culminating decades of research, has provided a thorough guide to such symbols. — Auspicious symbols i... more »n Chinese art are often in the form of rebuses visual puns. Because many words in Chinese share the same pronunciation, there is a wealth of opportunities for such punning, and over the centuries many rebuses have developed established meanings.
Should one give a clock as a gift? Certainly not!@ To give a clock songzhong, is a pun for a last farewell, in other words, for attending a person who is on the edge of death. Why is a pot of philodendrons an appropriate gift for someone opening a new store or restaurant? In America the philodendron serves as a substitute for a Chinese plant name wannianqing, or ten thousand years green. Such a gift expresses the wish that the business will flourish for ten thousand years.
Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art brings a systematic approach t the cataloguing of such hidden meanings. The book is divided into ten chapters, guided by the three Star Gods, Fu (blessings, happiness), Lu (wealth, rewards), and Shou (longevity). Fu governs chapters one through three, on blessings, marriage, and children. Ly governs chapters four, five and six, on passing exams, gaining official rank, and obtaining wealth. Shou governs chapter seven, on longevity. Three additional chapters survey motifs for peace, wish-granting, and festivals.« less