W25xD25xH85mm, China
The Chinese adores the symbol of the bat; being viewed as an icon of blessing, their symbol can be seen everywhere. The Chinese name for bat is 蝠 (fu), which sound like the word blessing, 福 (fu).
This particular toggle do looks a bit like the Dracula, now that’s a cool blessing!
Click here to see our other bats.
W450xH680mm, China
On the top of the print is a hanging bat symbolizing the arrival of blessing. The word upside down (倒) “dao” shares the same pronunciation as the word arrived (到) “dao”, while word bat (蝠) “fu” with the word blessing (福) “fu”.
Hanging on the mouth of the bat is a Buddha’s hand fruit, a symbol of happiness and a peach which symbolizes longevity.
This rounded figure is known as “yi tuan he qi” – Harmony, which is a blessing for oneself, the family, the country to the world at large.
The figure originally comes from the painting of the same title by the Ming emperor, Zhu Jian Shen, featuring the Maitreya in a lotus meditation pose. On closer look, there are 2 scholars on either side smiling at each other with their knee touching. The Maitreya embraces the 2 scholars with his head bend, revealing his bald head. The 3, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius are in harmony with each other.
Come to see the actual print and many others at the
New Year Print Exhibition
MOUNTAIN FOLKCRAFT
CHINESE WOOD BLOCK PRINT COLLECTION
DIA150xH70mm, China
This is a hat for the new born baby, a blessing from the mother.
Three different fruits are embroidered on the top of the hat (click on the links for more stories about the symbolism);
Peach – symbolizes longevity,
Promegranate – symbolizes fertility,
Buddha’s Finger – symbolizes happiness.
Embroidered n the back flap are the symbols of;
the word “壽” – longevity,
卐 – “Swastika” – luck,
Double Bat – double blessing.
All the good thoughts from the mother to the child.
W70xL210xH25mm, China
Bat biscuit for the halloween?
Unlike the west where the bat is associated with the dracula, the Chinese adores the symbol of the bat. Being viewed as an icon of blessing, their symbol can be seen everywhere. The Chinese name for bat is 蝠 ( fu), which sound like the word blessing, 福 (fu), and as bat sleeps upside down 倒 (dao) sharing the same pronunciation as the word arrival, 到 (dao).
Bat hanging upside down = Arrival of blessing
Why would a bat be hanging upside down?
Happy halloween!
H120xW90mm, China
Snuff bottle is very popular in Qing Dynasty China, tobacco was introduced to China in the 16th century smoking however is banned. The use of snuff (powdered tobacco) is believed to have medicinal effect and therefore allowed, it quickly spread amongst the upper class and became a social ritual. The container became more refined in terms of craftsmanship and the use material showing off the status of its owner. This bottle is a red overlay on transparent glass ground carved to illustrate bats (blessing).
Mountain Folkcraft 