Chinese symbols

Collection of traditional Chinese cloud pattern line drawings on ivory paper

What Is the Chinese Cloud Pattern? History, Mea...

The Chinese cloud pattern, or yun wen, transforms curling clouds and vapor into spirals, cloud heads, and flowing tails. Explore its history, symbolism, dynasty-by-dynasty development, related motifs, and modern use.

What Is the Chinese Cloud Pattern? History, Mea...

The Chinese cloud pattern, or yun wen, transforms curling clouds and vapor into spirals, cloud heads, and flowing tails. Explore its history, symbolism, dynasty-by-dynasty development, related motifs, and modern use.

Modern illustration of a cloud-and-guaizi interlocking pattern in ivory and gold on indigo

What Is the Chinese Cloud-and-Guaizi Interlocki...

The cloud-and-guaizi interlocking pattern combines curled cloud forms with angular meanders in Chinese furniture, latticework, lacquer, and modern design.

What Is the Chinese Cloud-and-Guaizi Interlocki...

The cloud-and-guaizi interlocking pattern combines curled cloud forms with angular meanders in Chinese furniture, latticework, lacquer, and modern design.

Clean navy-blue line drawing of elongated Chinese flowing-cloud motifs

What Is the Chinese Flowing-Cloud Pattern? Liuy...

Learn how to identify the Chinese flowing-cloud pattern (Liuyun Wen), trace its development from ancient spirals to Han cloud-vapor designs and Ming-Qing decoration, and understand its symbolism, composition, and modern...

What Is the Chinese Flowing-Cloud Pattern? Liuy...

Learn how to identify the Chinese flowing-cloud pattern (Liuyun Wen), trace its development from ancient spirals to Han cloud-vapor designs and Ming-Qing decoration, and understand its symbolism, composition, and modern...

Simplified white cloud-head pattern outline on a cobalt-blue background

What Is the Chinese Cloud-Head Pattern? History...

Discover the Chinese cloud-head pattern (yun tou wen): how to recognize its ruyi-like curves, its development from ancient hooked clouds to Ming-Qing design, its symbolism, uses, and differences from xiangyun...

What Is the Chinese Cloud-Head Pattern? History...

Discover the Chinese cloud-head pattern (yun tou wen): how to recognize its ruyi-like curves, its development from ancient hooked clouds to Ming-Qing design, its symbolism, uses, and differences from xiangyun...

Traditional Chinese circular decorative design featuring stylized Ruyi motifs

What Is the Ruyi Pattern? Meaning, History, and...

Discover the history and meaning of the Chinese Ruyi pattern, its use in traditional art, and how Ruyi jewelry carries wishes for harmony and fulfillment.

What Is the Ruyi Pattern? Meaning, History, and...

Discover the history and meaning of the Chinese Ruyi pattern, its use in traditional art, and how Ruyi jewelry carries wishes for harmony and fulfillment.

Reference image of a circular ornament with interlaced coiled animal motifs

What Is the Chinese Interlaced Hui-Snake Patter...

Learn how to identify Pan Hui Wen (蟠虺纹), the interlaced hui-snake pattern of ancient Chinese bronzes, including its Spring and Autumn and Warring States history, composition, differences from Pan Chi...

What Is the Chinese Interlaced Hui-Snake Patter...

Learn how to identify Pan Hui Wen (蟠虺纹), the interlaced hui-snake pattern of ancient Chinese bronzes, including its Spring and Autumn and Warring States history, composition, differences from Pan Chi...