What Is a Money Toad?
The money toad, or Jin Chan, is a three-legged symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. Explore Liu Hai’s legend, the moon toad in Chinese art, and feng shui placement.
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Chinesische Symbole
Explore the animals, plants, patterns and motifs found in Chinese culture, and the meanings people associate with them.
Showing 1–12 of 93 articles
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What Is a Magpie in Chinese Culture?
Discover what the magpie symbolizes in Chinese culture, from good news and magpies on plum branches to joyful reunions and the Qixi Magpie Bridge.
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Five Poisons Pattern and Its Dragon Boat Festival Meaning
Discover the meaning of the Five Poisons pattern, its five animals, and how Chinese Dragon Boat Festival traditions express wishes for a safe summer.
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Dragon-Pattern Jade Jue: A Spring and Autumn Jade Ornament
Explore the dragon-pattern jade jue, an ancient Chinese open-ring ornament, through two Spring and Autumn examples, their incised curves and evidence of wear.
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Flaming Pearl Meaning: Huozhu in Chinese Art
Explore the flaming pearl meaning in Chinese art, its Buddhist jewel connections, dragon motifs, visual variations, and related silver jewelry.
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Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism Meaning: A Visual Guide
Explore the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism and their meaning, with 10 illustrations, Chinese Bajixiang variations, and related Buddhist designs.
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The Four Arts: Qin, Qi, Shu and Hua in Chinese Decorative Patterns
Explore the Four Arts in Chinese patterns: qin music, qi gaming, shu calligraphy, and hua painting, with five motif illustrations and related designs.
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The Four Gentlemen: Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum in Chinese Art
Discover the Four Gentlemen in Chinese art: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, their meanings, and four related jewelry and accessory designs.
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Fu Has Arrived: Upside-Down Fu, Bats and Fish in Chinese Art
Discover how an inverted Fu character, bats, fish, flowers, and circular composition turn familiar wordplay into joyful wishes for a good life.
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Double Blessings Bat Motif: Meaning, Symmetry and Everyday Life
Discover how paired bats express Double Blessings through Chinese wordplay, balanced silhouettes, negative space, and decoration in everyday life.
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Bai Fu Tu: The Meaning of China's Hundred Blessings Art
Explore Bai Fu Tu, the Hundred Blessings Diagram: Fu, Lu and Shou, bat symbolism, circular Fu calligraphy, and meaningful gifts inspired by Chinese blessings.
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Chinese Qushui Pattern: History, Meaning, and Design
Discover the Chinese qushui pattern: its textile history, linked geometric forms, symbolism, connections with water motifs, and uses in modern design.
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