Chinese auspicious ornaments in textile and clothing refers to any form of Chinese auspicious ornaments, which are used to decorate various forms of Chinese textile and clothing (including Hanfu and Qizhuang), fashion accessories, and footwear in China since the ancient times.[1][2] Chinese auspicious ornaments form part of Chinese culture[2] and hold symbolic meanings.[1] In ancient China, auspicious ornaments were often either embroidered or woven into textile and clothing.[1] They are also used on religious and ritual clothing (e.g. Daojiao fushi which is Taoist clothing[3]: 101 and Chinese Buddhist clothing) and in Xifu, Chinese opera costumes.[4] Auspicious symbols and motifs continue to be used in present-day China in industries, such as home textiles and clothing; they are also used in modern design packaging and interior design.[5] Some of these Chinese auspicious ornaments were also adopted by European countries during the era of Chinoiserie, where they became decorative patterns on fashionable chinoiserie fashion and textiles.[6]
Cultural significance
editChinese auspicious patterns and motifs have profound meanings and are rich in forms; these reflect the desires and yearning of the ancient Chinese to pursue a better life.[5] Chinese auspicious ornaments are typically decorations of Chinese cultural origins which are rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, Chinese Buddhism beliefs, in Chinese mythology and cosmology and concepts, as well from Buddhist visual arts and from the natural flora and fauna in China.[1][2] Throughout Chinese history, the use of Chinese embroideries on textile, clothing, and footwear also reflected and expressed the subtle changes in aesthetic concepts, cultural traditions, ethics and morals of the Chinese people throughout the millennia.[7]
Usage
editCommon items
editChinese auspicious symbols and patterns were used on wedding bedding textiles.[5] They were also used to decorate Chinese fragrant sachet (e.g. Qingyang sachet) and Chinese purses (hebao).
Garments and clothing accessories
editClothing and colour in China also played an important role in representing its wearer's identity, rank, and culture.[1] Clothing which were decorated with Chinese dragons and cosmological symbols, rank badges were typically symbol of status of the ruling class in ancient China.[1]
| Court dress attire | Religious attire | Wedding attire | Common fashion accessories and garments | Footwear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Auspicious set of ornaments
editTwelve ornaments
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The Twelve ornaments are one of the oldest motifs in China.[11]: 71 They originated in the Western Zhou dynasty and was a group of highly auspicious ancient Chinese symbols and designs, signifying authority and power.[12][11]: 71 They were typically embroidered on imperial clothing,[13]: 281 [12] and were used as decoration on textile fabrics.[12]
Their use on clothing have been recorded in the Shangshu Yiji; since then, they have continuously been used.[12][14] The system of clothing patterns was however established in the Han dynasty, where the types and the number of ornaments was regulated based on a person's ranks.[12] In the Sui dynasty, the twelve ornaments were reserved for the Emperor exclusively; Emperor Yang Sui established a system which defined the exact location of these ornaments on the imperial robes.[12][note 3] This system continued in the Ming dynasty.[12][note 4] The system was changed in the Qing dynasty when the Manchu established their own clothing system.[note 5] The emperor wore all twelve ornaments on his clothing.[11]: 71
| Name | Symbolism | Description | images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun (日, rì) | Source of life | Sun with the sanzuwu (Three-legged crow) inside it. | |
| Moon (月, yuè) | Heaven | Moon with a moon rabbit inside | |
| Three stars (星辰, xīngchén) | Cosmic universe as personified by the Emperor, it is an unending source of pardon and love | ||
| Mountains (山, shān) | The emperor's ability to rule earth and water, symbolizing stability and tranquility | ||
| Chinese dragon (龍, lóng) | Adaptability and strength | ||
| Pheasant (華蟲, huá chóng) | Peace and refinement. | A colourful pheasant | |
| Two cups (宗彝, zōng yí) | Imperial loyalty, also symbolizes the virtue of filial piety | A pair of sacrificial goblets used in ancient sacrifice; one of the cups is decorated with the motif of a monkey (symbolizes wisdom and cleverness) while the other is decorated with the motif of a tiger (symbolizes authority, courage, and bold spirit). | |
| Zao (藻, zǎo) | symbol of the emperor's leadership, represents brightness and purity (noble and pure conduct) | A spray of pondweed. | |
| Fire (火, huǒ) | Represents the emperors' intellectual brilliance; also symbolizes summer solstice | Upward pattern of a fire emblem, symbolized that the emperor led its people in making positive efforts | |
| Grain of rice (粉米, fěn mǐ) | Symbolize nourishment and the country's agriculture, and also symbolizes that the emperor is the mainstay for the people. | ||
| Axe (黼, fǔ) | The Axe stands for “cut-off”; i.e. the emperor's power to act decisively | ||
| Figure 亞 (黻, fú) | Represents collaboration and the power of the emperor to make a clear distinction between right and wrong | It is a bow-shaped sign |
Bagua
editBagua are also used to decorate clothing and textiles,[10] including in Xifu.[4] Bagua are believed to be derived from the markings on the back of a tortoise shell after it had been placed on sacrificial fire.[4]
Yin and Yang
editYin and yang are also used to decorate clothing,[10] including Xifu and headwear.[4]
Eight treasures
editThe Eight treasures (八宝 bābǎo) can appear on clothing and textile.[1][15]: 123 These motifs were typically used by Confucianists.[11]: 71
| Type | Symbolism | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl (寳珠, bǎozhū), or flaming pearl[note 6] | Wealth and success.[15]: 123 The pearl regularly appears on textiles and rank badge.[15]: 123 By the mid-Qing dynasty, the pearl evolved into the flaming pearl,[15]: 123 which represents the sun, wisdom, power, and an imperial treasure.[16]: 132 | .jpg)
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| Double lozenges (方勝, "fāngshèng") | Happiness in marriage and counteracts maleficent influences. | |
| Stone chime (磬, "qìng") | A just and upright life. | |
| rhinoceros horns (犀角, xījiǎo) | Happiness | |
| Double coins (雙錢, shuāngqián) | Wealth | |
| Gold or silver ingot (錠, dìng) | ||
| Coral (珊瑚, shānhú) | ||
| Ruyi scepter (如意, rúyì) |
Eight emblems of the Immortals
editThe eight emblems of the Immortals are typically eight items representing the Eight Immortals and their powers can also appear on clothing and textile.[17][1] These motifs were typically used by taoists.[11]: 71
| Type | Attributes | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan | Attributes of the fan of Zhongli Quan. | ||
| Lotus flower | Attributes of the lotus of He Xiangu. | ||
| Peach | |||
| Bamboo | |||
| Gourd with medicine | Attributes of the double gourd of Li Tieguai. | .jpg)
| |
| Basket of flowers | Attributes of the flower basket of Lan Caihe | ||
| Musical instruments | Two castanets | Attributes of the castanets of Cao Guojiu. | |
| Flute | Attributes of the flute of Han Xiangzi | ||
Ashtamangala/ Eight Sacred Buddhist Symbols
editThe Ashtamangala can also appear on clothing, such as the dragon robes of the Qing dynasty.[1] These motifs were typically used by buddhists.[11]: 71
| Type | Attributes | Images | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vase | Harmony | ||
| Parasol | dignity | ||
| Victory banner | Rank and nobility | ||
| Endless knot | Happiness | .jpg)
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| Lotus | Purity | ||
| Twin fish | Wealth | .jpg)
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| Conch | Protection | ||
| Wheel of Dharma | 
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Other sets of ornaments
edit| Type | Symbolism | Images | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve Chinese zodiac[10] | ||||
| Five poisons[10] | ||||
| "Sea water, river and cliff pattern" (海水江崖纹)/ "Waves, mountains, rocks"[17] | Rock[1] | Peace and harmony within the country and/or harmony in the Universe, which is presided by the Emperor.[17] | ||
| Woshui[1] | Concentric semicircles | |||
| Turbulent Waves | Surging sea waves | .png)
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| Lishui[1] | Diagonal straight/ wavy lines | .jpg)
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List of natural landscape elements used in textile and clothing
editClouds/ auspicious clouds
editClouds, also referred as auspicious clouds (xiangyun 祥云), are the symbols of good fortune and happiness,[18] as well as a good omen of peace and the symbol of heavens.[17] Clouds designs have been used in artworks as early as the Eastern Zhou dynasty.[19] in the ancient times, auspicious clouds were of associated with deities and good fortune.[19]
Mountains and rocks
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Mountains were symbolism of stability, greatness, and stable governance.[12]
Mountains are also one of the twelve ornaments which are embroidered on the Imperial robes.[12] The rock found in the bottom-centre of the Qing dragon robes, represents the sacred mountain (山, shān), one of the Twelve ornaments.[1]
Stars and constellation
editStars were typically represented by small circles.[12] When several stars (circles) are connected with lines, they became a constellation.[12]
Sun
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On the Qing dynasty rank badge (buzi), the sun disk is typically depicted as a red disc, which represents the emperor.[17][20]
In the Qing dynasty, animals, birds and creatures on a rank badges need to face the sun disc as symbol of loyalty to the Emperor.[17]
Xingchen/ Three stars
editXingchen (星辰), is depicted as several small circle, symbolizes the indefinite Universe.[12] The number 3 has the meaning of having made everything and formed the beginning of things; this belief comes from Laozi, who said that the universe made the original matter of the Earth.[12]
Waves and tides
edit| Types | Description | Symbolism/Meaning | Images | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lishui | Diagonal, parallel, (typically multicoloured) stripes or wavy lines.[1] | Represent the "deep sea"[1] | _(AM_13778-13).jpg){kind=icon}
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| Tides | Turbulent waves | 
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| Woshui | Concentric semicircles | ||||
Trees and plants
editPine tree
editFlowers
editChrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum flowers symbolize longevity and autumn season.[2][17] They could be used to decorate the garments of women.[21]
Lotus flowers
Lotus flowers are symbols of purity and fruitfulness.[9] Double lotus are wishes for blessing marriage and harmony.[5]
Peach blossoms
Peach blossoms are symbols of spring season and happiness.[17]
Peony flowers
Peony flowers are symbols of prosperity,[22] wealth, and honour;[5] they also a symbol of spring and feminine beauty.[4] Peonies are often used on Chinese women's clothing.[4]
Plum blossoms
Plum blossoms are symbol of winter season as it blooms in the cold.[17] They are also one of the most famous flowers in China and are common perceived as a symbol of longevity.[4] It is used as decoration to decorate Xifu, Chinese opera costumes as it is an indicator of wisdom and feminine charm.[4]
Xiaolunhua or falunhua
Xiaolunhua or falunhua, are motifs used to decorate the falunhua of the Song and Ming dynasty empresses.[note 7]
Seeds
editLotus seeds were auspicious patterns, which were used to embroider Chinese cloth shoes, such as xiuhuaxie (Chinese: 绣花鞋; lit. 'embroidered shoes'); they were symbol of the birth of a child.[23]
Fruits
editThe combination of longevity peaches, bergamot, and pomegranate represents multiple children and longevity.[5]
Gourds
A gourd is a symbol of fertility.[17] Doubles gourds are associated with immortals and deities.[17]
Peaches
A peach is a symbol of longevity;[2] peaches were also associated with the deity Shoulao (God of longevity).[17]
Pomegranate
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A pomegranate (Chinese: 石榴; pinyin: shíliǔ) is an auspicious pattern which represents the "abundance in all things" (especially, sons).[9] It can also symbolize multiple children[5] or offspring multiplied.[23] Pomegranates can be used to embroider Chinese cloth shoes, such as xiuhuaxie (Chinese: 绣花鞋; lit. 'embroidered shoes').[23]
Mushroom
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Lingzhi mushroom can be used on clothing, such as court clothing.[1] The auspicious characteristics of the lingzhi mushroom is a unique aspect in Chinese culture and were even worshipped in ancient times.[24]: 11 According ancient Taoist belief, the consumption of lingzhi allows one to never grow old and die.[24]: 11 Confucian scholars have been referring to the Lingzhi as "fortune herb" or "fortune grass" since the Han dynasty and considered the circular lines on the lingzhi cap as an auspicious symbol (or as fortune halos).[24]: 11 Lingzhi is therefore a symbol of Longevity, luck, fortune, peace, prosperity.[24]: 11
Auspicious mammal animals
editMany animal motifs are found on Chinese textile and are often found in combined with cloud designs.[25] Textile patterns with animals and clouds have been popular, especially during the Han to the Jin dynasty around the 1st to the 3rd century.[26]
Bats
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Chinese bat (Chinese: 蝠; pinyin: fú) motifs often look like a butterfly.[16]: 11 A bat is a symbol of happiness.[1] Bats have an auspicious meaning as the Chinese words for hongfu (Chinese: 红蝠; lit. 'red bats') sounds similar to the phrase "abundant good fortune".[16]: 11
Bats can be coupled with the Chinese character wan, written as《卐》and/or《卍》in Chinese characters, to expresses "ten thousand-fold wishes for good fortune and happiness".[17]
Five bats (Chinese: 五蝠; pinyin: wǔfú) represent five types of good fortune, called the Five blessings (Chinese: 五福; pinyin: wǔfú), which are good health, good wealth, longevity, love of virtue and a natural/ peaceful death.[16]: 11 [17]
Deer
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A deer is a symbol of longevity.[5] The Chinese name of deer is Lu is also a homophone for Chinese character 'wealth' and 'official promotion'; it is therefore also the symbol of Luxing (the god of rank and remuneration).[17]
Lions
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The Chinese admired lions for their strength and courage; therefore, lions became associated with military and hunting prowess; they were typically found on the military rank badges on the Ming and Qing dynasties.[15]: 299
Rabbits
editRabbits, especially white rabbits, are symbols of longevity.[18][27] Textiles which show a rabbit motif are strongly associated with women and the moon (yin forces) and therefore, textiles with a rabbit on it would typically only be worn by women and eunuchs.[15]: 324
Yuetu/ Yutu/ Moon rabbit
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Yuetu (lit. "moon rabbit"), also known as yutu (jade rabbit) is a symbol of the moon.[28] According to ancient Chinese legends, the moon rabbit (and/or rabbits) lived on the moon.[28] Following this ancient belief, rabbits which run amongst clouds are intended to symbolize the moon.[29]
The moon rabbit is one of the Twelve Ornaments, which adorn the Emperor's imperial robe; it is depicted as a rabbit in a disc, which represents the moon.[28]
Tigers
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Tigers were symbols of masculinity and was seen as a fighting power as the Lord of the animal kingdom.[4] Tiger heads are often found in Xifu where it is used to decorate military costumes.[4]
Auspicious birds
editOn textiles, birds were often inspired by paintings, literature, and by observation the natural surroundings; textiles which show birds paired with flowers originated from huaniaohua paintings, which were already popular during the Tang dynasty before gaining more social significance near the end of the Northern Song dynasty.[30]
Birds have an important place in Chinese culture as they are perceived as divine envoys and the heralds of auspicious events.[30] Birds were associated with a noble character while pairs of birds were sometimes associated with marital relationship between spouses.[30] The depiction of a crane with a phoenix, a mandarin duck, a heron, and a wagtail represents the 5 interpersonal relations according to Confucian beliefs.[30]
Crane birds
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A crane bird is generally a symbol of longevity,[2][1][18] immortality and wisdom.[17][32] They can also express wishes of becoming a higher official.[30] Motif of crane with a peach of immortality in its beaks, crane with lingzhi in its beak,[30] crane paired with bottle gourds are all symbols of longevity.[31]
A pair of cranes expresses desire for a long matrimonial life.[30]
Two cranes flying toward the sun are a symbol of ambition.[30]
Mandarin ducks
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A mandarin duck (yuanyang 鴛鴦) is a symbol of love and loyalty.[5]
Mandarin ducks are also a symbol of marital fidelity and can be used on the clothing of brides.[9]
Pairs of mandarin ducks were symbols of conjugal bliss and even appear on the clothing of brides.[21] Pairs of mandarin ducks also symbolize peace, prosperity, marital stability and devotion due to the belief that mandarin ducks pair up for life and would die if they were to be separated.[30]
Peacocks
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A peacock (孔雀 kongque) represents elegance, dignity and beauty.[30][32] It is also the symbol of the sun, virtue, love, and the power of the civil officials in the Imperial court.[30]
Pheasants
editColourful pheasants/ Huachong
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Huachong is a colourful pheasant.[12] It is also one of the twelve symbols.[12] It is used on the imperial clothing of the Emperor and on the Diyi.[33] On the clothing of the Emperor, it represents the emperor's abundant knowledge, peace, and elegance.[12]
Golden pheasants
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A golden pheasant (jinji 金雞) symbolizes duties and obligations.[32]
Silver pheasants
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Silver pheasant (baixian 白鷴) is a symbol of beauty and happiness.[30]
Other birds
editEgrets or heron
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Lu (鹭) symbolized a route or a path.[30]
When lu is paired with lotuses, it is represents the Confucian ideal of what an uncorrupted official is; it can also have the meaning as "recurring success on the path to career" where Lu is the path and the official gratification and the lotus represents the "recurring" characteristic.[30]
Paradise flycatcher
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Paradise flycatcher (shoudai niao 绶带鸟) with its long tail looking like ribbons represents longevity due to its name having the word 'shou' being the homonym of shou (longevity) and 'dai' being the homophone of dai (代) which means generation; thus expressing the wishes for longevity for the family's generation.[30]
Quail
editA quail (anchun 鵪鶉) symbolizes courage[18] and is a symbol of peace.[30]
Wild geese
editA wild goose (dayan 大雁 or e 鹅) symbolizes loyalty, fidelity, and marital bliss.[30][32]
Auspicious fish, reptiles, and amphibians
editFish
editFish are typically uses as a symbolism for wealth and abundance; the word fish yu is a homonym for the word abundance yu.[18]
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Reptiles
editTortoise
editTortoises are symbols of longevity.[5]
Auspicious insects
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Butterflies
editThe butterfly is a symbol of conjugal happiness.[9]
Combination of different animal categories
editCat and butterfly
editThe combination of a cat and a butterfly symbolizes the longevity of old people.[5]
Chinese dragons (including python)
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Chinese dragons, long (simplified Chinese: 龙; traditional Chinese: 龍; pinyin: lóng), are the national totem of the Chinese people; they are the most majestic symbols and are a symbol of authority, nobleness, honour, luck and success.[12] According to Chinese cosmology, the Heavens are divided into nine palaces; and each of these nine palaces are ruled by a dragon.[34]: 8 These nine dragons are often depicting as either ascending to or descending from the sky; they are also the symbolism of the dynamic powers of the Universe.[34]: 8
Chinese dragons are crucial elements on Chinese imperial clothing[12] and appeared on the imperial court clothing at the end of the 7th century and became the symbol of the Chinese emperors in the Song dynasty.[1] Chinese dragons continued to be used in the Qing dynasty in the imperial and court clothing.[1][12] The types of dragons and their numbers of claws were regulated and prescribed by the imperial court.[1] When Chinese dragons are enclosed in roundels, they are referred as tuanlong (团龙); they can also be enclosed in mandarin square (buzi).[35]
The Chinese dragons originally had three claws in the Tang and Song dynasties,[36]: 235 [37] but the definition of Chinese dragons in China eventually shifted, and were regulated and institutionalized. It was therefore formally established that the Chinese dragons should have 5-clawed in the Ming and Qing dynasties while the 4-clawed dragon were no longer considered to be dragons, but mang (蟒, lit. "python").[1][37]
Only the Emperor of China and some members of the imperial family were allowed to wear five-clawed dragons motifs which matched with the definition of Chinese dragons at those times. Other people wore other forms of dragon-like creatures, which were no longer considered as being Chinese dragons according to the contemporary standard. According to Shen Defu, a bureaucrat in the Ming dynasty, "the mang robe [蟒服, lit. "python robe"] is a garment with an image close to a dragon, similar to the dragon robe of the top authority (the emperor), except for the deduction of one claw".[38] Clothing with 4-clawed Chinese dragon-like creatures were mangfu, feiyufu and douniufu; feiyu and douniu have additional specific characteristics which differ them from both the mang and the long.[39] When the Ming dynasty court would bestow robes upon other chieftains, they would bestow four-clawed dragons;[37][note 8] lesser princes, nobles and senior court officials of the Ming dynasty were also prescribed mang.[8]: 184
Xinglong/ travelling dragon/ moving dragon
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Xinlong (行龙) are curled body dragons that run horizontally with a sideways facing body and feet pointed downward, giving the appearance that they are walking or running.[35]
Dragon playing with (flaming) pearl or ball
editA common motif used in clothing and other arts products is the dragon playing with flaming pearls (or balls[34]: 8 ), which appeared during the second half of the first 1st millennium AD.[1] The flaming ball or ball represents either the sun or the moon; it is sometimes referred as the "day or night shining pearl".[34]: 8
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Travelling dragon (xinglong) chasing after a flaming pearl. -
Unenclosed opposing dragons chasing after a pearl, -
Opposing dragons (one ascending and one descending) chasing after flaming pearl enclosed in a roundel.
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Lilong/ standing dragon
editLilong (立龙), or standing dragon,[35] is a dragon with curved standing body,[35] with its head in profile (facing a side).[15]: 247 The legs are splayed limbs and well distributed on 4 sides.
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Sitting dragon/ front-facing dragon
editSitting dragon (zhenglong 正龙) or front-facing dragon[15]: 247 is a dragon with a curved body with its head facing front with splayed limbs.[15]: 247 The legs are well distributed on 4 sides.[35] The body have 7 bends.[40]
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Zhengman (4-clawed dragon) in a roundel -
Zhengmang in a buzi -
Zhenglong (5-clawed) in a roundel -
Unenclosed zhenglong
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Jianglong/ descending dragon
editJianglong (降龙) or descending dragons are curling dragons which appear to be descending vertically.[35]
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Three-clawed jianglong in roundel, Yuan dynasty -
Jianglong enclosed in a roundel, Ming dynasty -
Unenclosed jianglong, Qing dynasty
Shenglong/ ascending dragon
editShenglong (升龙) or ascending dragons (爬龍) are curling dragons which appear to be ascending vertically.[35]
Confronted dragons
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Confronted dragons are two dragons facing toward each other and moving toward the same direction.
Fenghuang / phoenix
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Fenghuang symbolizes everything good and everything beautiful,[30] peace, good fortune, and feminine beauty.[21] The five virtues of the fenghuang are righteousness, humanity, chastity, fairness and sincerity.[30]
It is often found on the clothing of women.[21] The fenghuang is also the symbol of the empress and represent the yin principle in the Yin and Yang philosophical concept.[16]: 131 In Imperial China, the fenghuang was only embroidered on the clothing of the empresses.[16]: 131
Double phoenix
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In the Ming dynasty, double phoenix were used in the rank badges were used by female member of the imperial household.[41]
Longfei fengwu/ Flying dragon and Dancing phoenix
editLongfei fengwu (Chinese: 龙飞凤舞; lit. 'Flying dragon and dancing phoenix') is an auspicious ornaments which symbolizes marital bliss.[23] In the context of a traditional Chinese wedding, the Long, Chinese dragons, and Feng, Chinese phoenix, represent the groom and the bride respectively.[16]: 131 The Longfei fengwu can be used to embroider Chinese cloth shoes, such as xiuhuaxie.[23]
Qilin
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Qilin symbolizes good luck for an empire;[18] it is also the symbol of virtue and perfection.[17] Prior to 1662, qilin was used to decorate clothing of the nobles.[42]
After the 1662, the qilin was used to decorate the mandarin square (buzi) of the military officials of the 1st rank.[42]
Sun crow
editSanzuwu/ Three-legged crow
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According to Chinese legends and mythology, the sanzuwu lived on the sun and was perceived as the envoy who operated the sun; since the ancient Chinese people worshipped the sun, the sanzuwu was worshipped as a symbol of happiness and comfort.[12] The sanzuwu is one of the Twelve Ornaments, which adorn the Emperor's imperial robe.[12]
List of Chinese characters used in textile and clothing
editTextiles and clothes in China could be decorated with auspicious Chinese characters.[5]
Fu
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Fu (福) means fortune[43]: 179 or blessing.[5]
Ji
editJi (吉) means good luck.[5] Inscriptions such as Ji (吉) and daji (大吉) have appeared very early on in ancient China and even appeared on unearthed oracle bones.[5] The character ji could be used to decorate dragon robes in the Qing dynasty.[1]
Shou
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Shou《壽》means longevity.[2][43]: 179 [17] The stylized character of shou can also be used to decorate women's garments.[21]
The Chinese character shou can also be combined with Chinese character wan, written as《卐》or《卍》.
Wan
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The Chinese character wan, written as《卐》or《卍》, is similar to the swastika. It is a symbol of immortality.[18] It was adopted from a Buddhist symbol. It was declared as the source of all good fortune in 693 by Wu Zetian who called it wan.[17]
Wan sounds the same as "ten thousand" or "infinity"; as such adding wan to another symbol pattern multiplies that wish 10,000 times.[17] It can be combined with other Chinese characters such as shou (longevity).
Xi
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The character xi (喜) means happiness.[5]
Xi/ double happiness
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The character xi (囍) or double happiness is a pattern which expresses blessing marriage and harmony.[5]
List of objects used in textile and clothing
editCoins
editCoins are symbol of wealth.[1]
Precious gems/ stones
editCoral
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A twig of coral symbolizes long age and career[1]
Pearl or flaming pearl
editPearls (baozhu) is symbol of good fortune (wealth); it was used to decorate clothing.[15]: 123 According to Chinese belief, pearls embodied the yin essence of the moon and would protect them from the yang essence of the sun.[15]: 123 Pearls are often depicted with the imperial dragon as according to the legend, the dragon guards a peal under the water.[16]: 132 The pearl is one of the Eight treasures and regularly appears on textiles and rank badge.[15]: 123 By the mid-Qing dynasty, the pearl evolved into the flaming pearl.[15]: 123 The flaming pearl represents the sun, wisdom, power and an imperial treasure.[16]: 132
Ball or flaming ball
editThe ball or flaming ball represents either the sun or the moon; it is sometimes referred as the "day or night shining pearl".[34]: 8
Animal-based objects
editRhinoceros horn
editRhinoceros horn is a symbol of virtue.[1]
Literacy objects
editScrolls are symbol of learning.[1]
Related concepts
editSee also
editNotes
edit- ^ Diyi is also known as huiyi. It was decorated with gold pheasants, clouds, and dragons. It was worn along with the fengguan
- ^ a form of aoqun; mangchu was either a red or green coloured skirt embroidered with dragons and phoenix which was first worn on wedding day.
- ^ Emperor Yang Sui established that the sun and moon motif must be on each shoulder, while the starts must be found on the back.
- ^ The Twelve Ornaments were used on the Emperor's dragon robe and the mianfu
- ^ The Twelve Ornaments were also reintroduced on court and imperial clothing in 1759; See page Qizhuang for more details.
- ^ It became a flaming jewel in the mid-Qing dynasty
- ^ see page diyi for references
- ^ e.g. Manchu chieftains in 1522 received a mangfu
References
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