Antique Chinese Lamps – Bamboo and Bats
In traditional Chinese art, symbolism has always played a significant part, with highly regarded, auspicious symbols for births, weddings, wishes for long life and congratulations for birthdays.
Many of these symbols, either as a written character or as an artistic device have been in use in China for literally thousands of years, so that the derivation of some symbols have been lost to memory. However, even in modern China, these ancient meanings persist, still deeply rooted in the Chinese psyche.
Some are archaic with origins from Imperial dynasties three or four thousand years old with others originating from Chinese Buddhism. Many symbols also relate to Taoism, but most are derived from Confusion philosophic thought with its focus on the seasons and the natural world.
Many of these symbols are discreet, requiring a foreknowledge of their meaning. They are able to be read and when understood, convey a much greater depth of meaning to the observer.
Some of the more popular symbols are -:
Bamboo - stands for longevity and courage in adversity. As it is an evergreen and because it grows straight, it was a popular symbol for mandarins and represented an honest official.
Bats - the homonym "fu" stands for both "bat" and "happiness", hence the bat is a popular symbol. Five bats shown together signify the Five Blessings: longevity, health, wealth, virtue and a natural death.
Crane - the crane is another longevity symbol as the bird was thought to live for two thousand years. A bird flying or looking towards the sun represents a desire to rise high in the government hierarchy.
Dragons – a symbol derived from ancient traditions. This celebrated symbol ranks first among all. The five-clawed dragon was reserved for the Emperor from ancient times until the end of the last dynasty. The four-clawed dragon associates with royalty and the three-clawed dragon with the Chinese people.
Chrysanthemum - one of the four important flower emblems signifying autumn and a contented middle age.
These are just five of the traditional symbols found in Chinese classical and decorative art. The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co always has a fine selection of Chinese lamps, many with the “hidden meanings “of symbolism.
The rules of thumb when buying antiques are - don’t buy for investment, buy for love. If you purchase a lamp that you love and use, then it’s a good investment. This is particularly true of antique lamps, which provide a link to another time and offer unique artistry, often no longer available.
Lighting is such an important element in interior design. Choosing quality, antique table lamps, partnered with stunning, silk lampshades will add a refined edge of elegance to the classic interior.
You are invited to visit The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co’s web site at www.antiquelampshop.com
© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2008
About the Author:Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co , has had a lifetime’s association with antique porcelain and pottery. From an early age he recalls picking up tea cups, looking for the mark on the base, discerning the maker.
His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections.
He is also well known as a regular lecturer to ceramic societies, fine arts societies, he also consults to leading auction houses and has been a sought after contributor to magazines and journals with articles on antique ceramics.
Extending his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company’s site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.
The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co is a boutique Australian company producing an elegant range of interior designer antique and vintage table lamps. Each lamp is a one of a kind, functional work of art, carefully produced to provide the classic antique lighting solution for your home.
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