Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art by Bartholomew, Terese Tse - 2006

The Asian Art Museum, 2006 Book. Very Good. Hardcover. 1st Edition. English text; Hardcover (with dust jacket); 23.7 x 31.2 cm; 2.279 Kg; 352 pages with colour illustrations throughout.; Used with signs of wear on the dust jacket. The dust jacket is now protected with a clearcover. Minor signs of wear on the interior.; Can decorative objects increase one's wealth, happiness, or longevity? Traditionally, many Chinese have believed that they could, provided they include the appropriate auspicious symbols. In Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, Terese Tse Bartholomew, culminating decades of research, has provided a thorough guide to such symbols. Auspicious symbols in Chinese art are often in the form of rebuses, visual puns. Because many words in Chinese share the same pronunciation, there is a wealth of opportunities for such punning, and over the centuries many rebuses have developed established meanings. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art brings a systematic approach to the cataloguing of such hidden meanings. The book is divided into ten chapters, guided by the three Star Gods, Fu (blessings, happiness), Lu (wealth, rewards) and Shou (longevity). Fu governs chapters one through three, on blessings, marriage, and children. Lu governs chapters four, five, and six, on passing exams, gaining official rank, and obtaining wealth. Shou governs chapter seven, on longevity. Three additional chapters survey motifs for peace, wish-granting, and festivals. Richly illustrated with photos of art objects and with many original illustrations by the author and Mulan Bartholomew, and enhanced with extensive bilingual indexes and other supporting materials, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in exploring Chinese Art and culture..