Chinese Snuff Bottle Discussion Forum 中國鼻煙壺討論論壇

Public Forum Categories and Boards => Symbolism and Meanings => Topic started by: bokaba on April 02, 2017, 06:56:13 pm



Title: Symbolism Book
Post by: bokaba on April 02, 2017, 06:56:13 pm
Dear Members,

I am currently reading Patricia Welch's book on Chinese art and imagery. It topically covers all types of plants, animals, landscapes, religious symbols, etc. I am impressed by its thoroughness, detailed explanations, and large color images for a relatively inexpensive book. Has anyone else read this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0804843163/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1

Brian


Title: Re: Symbolism Book
Post by: NE collector on April 02, 2017, 09:17:56 pm
Hi Brian,

I haven't read this book. It seems  like a great source of information. Thank you for the tip. I will try to find one

Best,

Toni-Lee


Title: Re: Symbolism Book
Post by: George on April 02, 2017, 11:42:08 pm
Neither have I read this one..

If you are looking for a real nice one..  Hidden Meaning In Chinese Art by Terese Tse Bartholomew is really good...


Title: Re: Symbolism Book
Post by: Fiveroosters aka clayandbrush on April 03, 2017, 02:14:13 am
Dear Brian,
the book has been already suggested here:
http://snuffbottle.smfforfree.com/index.php/topic,2516.0.html
I have both books, this one and the one mentioned by George, and they are completing each other. Different books, both them really helpful.
Still, both them are missing two points that I have searched with no success:
- the motif of 18 deers, one monkey and a spider net.
- the reason why butterflies (at least on porcelain) are always depicted in phantasy way, never representing a real species, as instead happens for birds and mammals.
Kind regards
Giovanni


Title: Re: Symbolism Book
Post by: Pat - 查尚杰 on April 03, 2017, 03:36:54 am
Dear Giovanni

This may be part of the answer on the 18 deer, and deer's importance to the emperor:

http://www.quirkybeijing.com/2008/07/12/the-lost-deer-of-china/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A8re_David%27s_deer

And this is from Journey to the West:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey:_Journey_to_the_West

Don't ask me to speculate how they are related...  ??? ;)


Title: Re: Symbolism Book
Post by: Fiveroosters aka clayandbrush on April 03, 2017, 06:44:09 am
Dear Pat,
thank you very much. Absolutely interesting to know about the Milu, I didn't know that.
And didn't know about the story "Journey to the West". May be some relation with the fact that in the story is mentioned also a bee. A known Chinese motif is the deer, monkey and bee.
Kind regards
Giovanni