If you happen to own an antique set of Chinese dining room furniture and you notice the different kinds of symbols carved on the wood, you might think that these symbols are engraved in there solely for their aesthetic appeal. While it is true that these symbols make the pieces of antique furniture look more beautiful and appealing, especially to Chinese furniture collectors and lovers, there are actually deeper meanings behind all these drawings and symbols.
Look at these basic symbols below and find out what they mean:
Gods – Chinese history dates back to the year 3,000 B.C., as such, it is no surprise that many of the gods and goddesses being represented in the symbols are also linked to the various aspects of human behavior and emotions all throughout these years. The top tier of gods is called the Stellar Triad, while the second tier of gods is called the 8 Immortals. They frequently appear in Chinese art and furniture pieces. These gods represent marriage (Hexiangu), liberation from lust and greed (Lu Dongbin), household peace and harmony (Zaojun), happiness (Xi) and many others.
Animals – Because the culture and history of China also entails the study of the natural world, animals are also represented in the antiques as well. This animal imagery includes monkeys to depict human spirit, bats for good luck, turtles for immortality and other indigenous animals within the region. Each of these animals has a connection as to how each of the gods are also depicted.
Plants (Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers) – These plants are a collective representation of nature that are also often found in antique Chinese furniture. Longevity is represented usually by bamboo, mushrooms, and pine; wealth is represented by flowers; progeny is represented by lotus; and joy is represented by peaches.
There are still other signs and symbols carved in antique Chinese furniture. Generally, coins and water ripples depict wealth, fans depict goodness, vase depicts peace, etc. By including these Chinese symbols in antiques, they add more visual impact to the finished products and can serve as messengers of wealth, peace, good luck, etc. to its intended owners, which can be passed from one generation to the next.