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4. Chinese cloisonne panel with cranes China 18th c.; Qianlong period (1736-1795) cloisonne enamel Length: 14 ¾ inches (37.5 cms) Width: 11 ½ inches (32 cms) |
The crane is a symbol of longevity, believed by Daoists to live one thousand years and to inhabit the Island of Immortality, where the elixir of immortality is found. The theme of longevity is further emphasised on this panel by the pine tree, lingzhi fungus and rocks. A pair of cranes can also be attributed the meaning of a long marriage as they mate for life. A further possible symbolic meaning is that of literary elegance, and a pair of cranes may be interpreted as representative images of Fuxing and Wenchang, the gods of happiness and literature respectively Detail: close up Detail: close up |