Cultural Symbolism Chart

Category

Symbol

Example Piece

Meaning

Deities & Legends

Dream of Red Mansion

Dream of Red Mansion (also translated as Dream of the Red Chamber) is a world-famous Eastern literary work based in 18th century China. Such was the impact of the novel that Asian designers often derive inspiration from select scenes.

The Four Beauties

"The Four Beauties", also known as si da mei nu, refers to four ladies fabled to be the most desirable women of ancient China. These blessed maidens were Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei. The first girl was said to be so beautiful that fish would forget to swim when she passed; the second made birds forget to fly; the third shamed the moon with her face; the fourth embarrassed the flowers with her loveliness. The Four Beauties are typically depicted individually or together in a temple courtyard or palatial garden, often playing traditional musical instruments.

Plants & Flowers

Peony

Known in the East as the flower of honor and prosperity, the peony is often associated with female beauty.

Chrysanthemum

Yellow or white chrysanthemums are associated with autumn and the harvest.

Orchid

The orchid is the embodiment of high ideals, perfection and fertility.

Cherry & Plum Blossoms

Symbolic of spring and winter respectively, these delicate flowers are associated with renewal, rebirth, fertility and grace.

Lotus

The lotus is the most sacred of the Eastern flowers, and is commonly associated with Buddha. It is said that when Siddhartha emerged from his meditation having achieved the state of nirvana, he took seven steps in all of the cardinal directions, and a lotus flower sprang up in each of his footprints.

Pine Tree

Generally associated with longevity and health, the pine tree is often shown in conjunction with longneck cranes, another Asian symbol of long-life.

Bamboo

This life-giving plant represents togetherness, endurance and vigor.

Pomegranates

The many seeds of the pomegranate have led to its association with fertility and family in many Asian cultures. To give the gift of a pomegranate is comparable to wishing someone "a hundred sons".

Birds & Beasts

Songbird

Songbirds are believed to be the heralds of springtime, and symbolize birth, growth, and virtue.

Crane

The long-neck crane is a cherished Asian symbol of longevity. This stunning bird is typically depicted against a background of pine trees, another symbol of long-life. Some believe that the souls of the peaceful dead ride on the backs of cranes on their way to the afterlife.

Bat

Contrary to many European cultures, Asian bats represent good luck and wealth. Often depicted in an inward-facing circle, these animals are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Elephant

The elephant is a sacred emblem of majesty and royalty, and is especially beloved in many South-East Asian cultures.

Dragon

The dragon is one of the most fascinating mythological creatures of ancient Asia. It is generally associated with yang energy, power, virility, masculinity and the water element. In ancient times, only emperors were permitted to carry a dragon banner, or wear clothing with dragon embroidery.

Phoenix

A natural balance to the dragon's masculine power, the phoenix is associated with yin energy, fertility, femininity and the fire element.

Tiger

A symbol of both courage and wealth,. The tiger is the third animal of the Chinese zodiac. Those born under the tiger sign are said to be charismatic leaders and hard-working perfectionists.

Butterfly

Butterflies represent passion, warmth and enduring love. One ancient Asian folktale, quite similar to Romeo and Juliet, tells the story of two star-crossed lovers that were unable to marry due to familial duty and unfortunate twists of fate. After their deaths, they transformed into butterflies and flew away into the sun together.

Butterfly & Flowers

This common furniture theme is also known as hu die tu, or "butterfly picture". It symbolizes clarity, cleanliness and modesty.

Emblems

Fire Pearl

This celestial symbol represents the light of divinity and creation, and is often shown between two dragons, or between a flying dragon and phoenix. According to Asian mythology, thunder is the sound of the dragon and the phoenix chasing the fire pearl through the heavens.

Mountains

As temples were often built on the lofty peaks of Asia, mountains have come to represent holiness, the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, and the earth element.

Musical Instruments

Women of the ancient courts are often shown playing musical instruments, which were a symbol of learning, accomplishment, courtliness, politeness and noble birth.

Double Happiness Seal

This special Chinese emblem is formed by connecting two "love" symbols. It represents lasting relationships and is typically used during wedding ceremonies.

Vases & Jars

The vase and jar theme is intended to invoke the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of a temple courtyard.

The Four Seasons

A four-seasonal motif is a traditional Asian symbol of balance and harmony. The seasons are usually represented by a floral combination of peonies, chrysanthemums, cherry or plum blossoms and orchids.

Children

Children represent the sacred heritage of a family. On furniture and art, children offer blessings of prosperity, wealth and good fortune.

Special Colors

Red

Red is the luckiest color of the Eastern spectrum, and is associated with wealth and good fortune. Chinese brides traditionally wear red dresses during the ceremony. In India, red is a symbol of purity and faithfulness.

Gold

Gold symbolizes financial wealth, mysticism, and the divine.

Yellow

Yellow is the official ethnic color of the Manchu, and was commonly worn by royalty, governors, scholars and nobility.

Materials

Wood

Wood is one of the five basic Asian elements, and as such is heavily incorporated into the Chinese zodiac. Those born under the sign of wood inspire confidence in others, hold high ideals, value principled behavior, and are known to be brimming with energy and vigor.

Leather

Leather materials represent a spirit of adventure and a truth-seeking heart.

Jade

Jade is synonymous with good fortune, enduring love, friendship, and a pure soul.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl is integral to various branches of Feng Shui tradition. Many believe that this beautiful nacre attracts good fortune.

Lacquer

Originally derived from tree sap, over the centuries lacquer has come to symbolize elegance, ritualism, clarity and harmony.