Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art

by Terese Tse Bartholomew, Kaz Tsuruta (Photographs)

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 in 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 gi

Genres: Art, Reference

351 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006