The ‘Baoxiang 宝相’ pattern is a Buddhist motif created through artistic processing based on the shapes of flowers, flower buds, and leaves found in nature. The main subjects of the Baoxiang pattern are peonies, lotus flowers, and other similar elements, which have gradually evolved over time. The Baoxiang pattern is also known as ‘Baoxianhua 宝仙花’, ‘Baolianhua 宝莲花’, or ‘xifanlian 西番莲’, which literally means ‘western passion flower’. Due to its luxurious and ornate appearance, it is referred to as ‘Baoxianghua’. The name carries auspicious meanings of wealth and fulfillment, symbolising prosperity and happiness.

• Fig 1: porcelain cup with underglaze blue decoration, Chenghua period (1465–87), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 2: porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Kangxi period (1662–1722), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 3-4: famille rose teapot, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 5: porcelain bowl, 1741, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 6: porcelain vase, 1742, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 7: porcelain vase, 1743, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 8: famille rose porcelain hat stand, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 9: long-necked ovoid vase with floral scroll over blue ground, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

  Fig 10: glass snuff-bottle with enamelled decoration, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 11: porcelain vase, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

  Fig 12: copper lidded jar with enamelled decoration, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 13: porcelain vase, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of Shanghai Museum, China

  Fig 14: porcelain wall vase, Jiaqing period (1796–1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 15: porcelain vase, Jiaqing period (1796–1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 16: porcelain basin, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei