Symbolism
Chinese symbolism dates back well before the first Emperor in 200 BC. So many shapes and details are much more than what appears. A pendant bearing a particular symbol bestows those attributes on the owner of the pendant. The following are the more frequently used emblems.
Current stock pieces incorporating some of the elements shown below can be viewed and purchased in our online shop which can be accessed from the menu above.
Bats |
Long life and happiness |
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Butterfly |
Joy, longevity and beauty. It can also mean marital happiness |
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Bamboo , Cicada |
Bamboo stands for longevity, courage in adversity, and honesty whilst the cicada symbolises eternal youth. They are often featured together. |
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Cat |
Protection and a wish for longevity |
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Cockerel |
Represents achievement, fame and pride |
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Conch-shell |
Symbol of royalty, beauty and communication |
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Coins |
Prosperity |
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Deer |
The deer is the only animal able to find the sacred fungus (lingzhi) which gives long life and even immortality |
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Donut shape (actually a Bi disc) |
Harmony and the spirit of the life force |
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Double happiness character |
A life full of joy |
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Dragon |
A benevolent creature, it represents the Emperor, his authority, power, and playfulness |
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| Duck | Stands for marital fidelity and happiness |  |
| Eternal Knot | An emblem of endless happiness as it is a symbol of the Buddhist path and the thread which guides one to happiness. |  |
Fish |
Wealth, abundance and regeneration. As it is content in its habitat, it symbolizes harmony and happiness |
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Goat or sheep |
Gentleness, peacefulness and harmony |
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| Gourd | The double gourd is a symbol of longevity as well as the promise of fruitfulness |  |
Hare |
Longevity and agility, it is noted for inhabiting the moon |
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Horse |
Emblem of speed and perseverance. It also signifies high office as only high officials were allowed to ride horses |
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Lion dog |
Protection, fidelity and trustworthiness |
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Lotus |
Purity, fruitfulness and perfection |
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Monkey stealing a gourd or peach |
A goddess had a sacred garden in which she grew peaches and gourds. These fruits were sacred because they gave long life and fruitfulness. A cheeky monkey, knowing this, stole into the garden and grabbed the fruit. He knew this was forbidden, but he couldn’t resist. He then receives the longevity and fruitfulness. Monkeys are symbols of cleverness, charm, energy and mischief. |
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Mystical animals (or Qilin) |
Composite creatures often with a dragon’s head, scaly body, bushy tail, horns and hooves, it represents great wisdom |
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Ox |
Trustworthy, steadfast and solid |
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| Palm leaf | Badge of the self-educated |  |
Peach |
Longevity, fruitfulness |
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| Pea pod | Fruitfulness, bounty and anticipation of all good |  |
Peony |
Love, affection |
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Phoenix |
Re-birth, goodness and high achievement |
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Rat or mouse |
Industry, prosperity, cleverness and modesty |
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Ruyi |
This sceptre is a symbol of rank but stands for ‘as you wish’ or ‘all you desire’ |
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Shou |
Character for long life |
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Toad |
Prosperity and agility |
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Vase |
Peace |
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