Glass & Pottery Creativity

What do the different shapes of carved Chinese jade signify?

I know that the hand-carved shapes of Chinese jade stand for different things. The animals of the Chinese zodiac are representative of themselves, for example. But there are other shapes… butterfly, vase, etc. and I was told that each of them had some meaning. I have looked everywhere I can think to look online, with no answers. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Yes, almost everything is symbolic of something in Chinese culture! It would take a THICK book to even begin to scratch the surface of Chinese symbolism & motifs!

I’ve listed a few common symbols and their general meaning:

Butterfly – Emblem of joy; Symbol of summer

Bat – Sounds similar to the character for happiness: Fu(2). Emblem of happiness and longevity. The design of 5 bats is a pictorial rebus for the “5 Blessings” ie old age, wealth, health, love of virtue and natural death(!). Often symbols of bats are so decorative that they apear to be butterflies.

Flowers – Certain flowers represent different times of the year. For e.g. Peony:Spring, Lotus:Summer, Chrysanthemum:Autumn and Plum Blossom:Winter.

Vase – The gift of a vase symbolises “peace” as the sound of the character for vase is similar to the character for peace.

Bamboo – Commonly known as “the friend of China”. It is an emblem of longevity because it is durable and evergreen adn flourishes throughout the winter.

There’s not much information online I’m afraid. Not that I know of anyway. However, there are books you can rfer to on this subject matter. A standard reference volume for many students of China/Chinese culture is, “Chinese Symbolism & Art Motifss” written by C.A.S. Williams. ISBN 0-8048-1586-0. It explains essential cultural symbols and contains interesting information on Chinese beliefs, customs, arts and crafts, food, medicine etc. I own this book and I think you will find it useful.

Hope that helps!

James Russell Selling A Butterfly Masai Vase On Price-Drop TV

Chokin vintage 24k gold white oval engraved porcelain vase floral butterfly $23.00

Hand blown cobalt blue swirl vase with applied metal ladybug butterfly tulip $7.00

BLUE BUTTERFLY VASE w/ Ginger Cat & Zinnia Flowers – Outsider Painting – MAIRIN $9.99

PAIR OF ANTIQUE TWIN NIPPON VASES,HAND PAINTED POPPIES & BRIGHT BLUE BUTTERFLIES $79.99

ORIENT & FLUME BEYERS SILLARS VASE 8″ TALL FUSCHIA W/ BUTTERFLY $399.99

FENTON – BERRY/BUTTERFLY – 2 RING NECK – GREEN BURMESE VASE “RARE” $125.00

A Mother’s Love Blooms Forever Designers Collection Mothers Day butterfly vase $23.00

FRAMED & MATTED BUTTERFLY WINGS FLOWERS & VASE–SIGNED $25.00

Beautiful Japanese Vase Made by Shibata Floral with butterflies 11 1/2″ tall $28.00

Franz Porcelain Papillon Butterfly Spread Wings Flower Vase $186.75

Godinger GRADUATION SET CAP/DIPLOMA $45.28 CRYSTAL GRADUATION SET…

Lenox Butterfly Meadow Small Pedestal Cake Plate $35.96 Lenox Butterfly Meadow Small Pedestal Cake Plate Take your cakes and desserts to new heights with this Butterfly Meadow® Pedestal Cake Plate. A dragonfly decorates the base, while a leafy motif encircles the foot. A tiger swallowtail and floral spray grace the plate. Crafted of fine porcelain Microwave & dishwasher safe Height: 8 1/2″ Introduced 2010 Imported…

Lenox China Butterfly Meadow Vase, Fine China Dinnerware Lenox China Butterfly Meadow Vase – Multicolor Butterflies, Floral Accents…

Glass Crystal Water Lily and Butterfly Rectangular Paperweight 5 7/8 X 1 7/8 X 1 7/8 (150mm X 50mm X 50mm) with 3 LED Light (Blue, Red & Orange) Stand $19.99 …

Bronze French Wire Vase Butterfly Shade Table Lamp $59.98 This striking table lamp design features a wire vase shaped body With a beautiful butterfly and floral print silk screen shade. Use this piece as inspiration for the look of an entire room or as an accent piece in dainty decor….