The peony is traditionally considered the most prestigious flower in China. It is symbolic for power, royalty, wealth, and high rank. The ancient town Luoyang 洛阳 was famous for rare and beautiful varieties of peonies. The nickname of peony in …
Book is a symbol of education or examinations. Peony is a symbol of wealth and prestige. The motif combination of book and peony sends a message to the receiver ‘You may become super rich by receiving good education!’ Related …
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Osmanthus blossoms in autumn and is conventionally regarded as the flower of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. Its sweet scent is discreet, distinctive, and unforgettable, and has a legendary position in Chinese poetry and art. It is …
The osmanthus tree prominent in the Moon Palace came to be a symbol for elite talents in the Jin dynasty 晋朝 (265-420). In around Tang dynasty (618-907), ‘plucking a sprig of osmanthus blossom’ became a metaphor for ‘becoming a top …
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Ordinary fish in the pond was hoped by ancient Chinese people to turn into a vigorous and powerful dragon flying in the sky. It can be traced back to as early as Song dynasty in Chinese literature for children or …
Father’s Day was set up to honour fatherhood and secure paternal bonds. One very potent motif in the repertoire of traditional Chinese pictorial culture in this regard is the image of a magnificent brawny dragon facing a smaller young dragon …