This Chinese symbolism has permeated all traditional arts and crafts, and even society to a degree that is hardly found in the west.
So what is this symbolism?
For example, think of red roses or doves. In the western society these are associated with certain meanings... they are symbols for things that are dear to us. They many people they represent love, and peace and harmony, respectively.
This symbolism is much deeper rooted in China's culture and finds more extensive use in its traditional society than in the west. It has found its ways into all aspects of life, including traditional crafts, art, and architecture.
A good example of positive Chinese symbolism in crafts is the bat. While this creature of the night hardly can be said to have any fortunate, luck promising linking in the western mind, in China it is considered a very auspicious animal. The reason is that the name of the bat, "Bian-Fu", or rather the sound or its pronunciation, is associated with the character Fu, which has the meaning of "good fortune, happiness, luck".
Please see the tables below for examples on symbolism used in traditional subjects in crafts, including porcelain painting, and the symbolism they may represent.
