Since ancient times, people around the world have developed and maintained their own traditional symbols to express their wishes for benevolence and fortune, and the Chinese were no exception. In fact, they have one of the longest, most colorful histories of incorporating auspicious symbols into nearly every aspect of life, including arts and culture. They used a wealth of symbols to represent their strong aspirations for a longer, happier, more prosperous life, in this world and the next. Chinese people of the past endowed a variety of creatures with abstract meanings, and then transformed those creatures into signs and symbols that they used to decorate all kinds of objects. They surrounded themselves with these auspicious symbols in the hope of making their wishes come true.

The exhibition presents an introduction to the auspicious symbols in Chinese art, which consist of three parts focusing on three different themes. The first part deals with the symbols used in ancient Chinese arts and crafts, guiding viewers to the origin of Chinese auspicious symbols. Exhibits include crafts decorated with images of Daoist immortals and auspicious animals, and roof-end tiles inscribed with auspicious passages, such as “Living 10,000 Years,” “Wealth and Honor,” and “Prosperity of Descendants,” which reveals the concepts of life and the afterlife that ancient Chinese people believed in. The symbols of wishes for a long, healthy life and prosperity for descendants were developed in ancient times, but they are still cherished and beloved by Chinese people today.

The second part focuses on two of the most prominent auspicious creatures in Chinese culture: dragons and phoenix. Ancient Chinese people believed that both of these legendary creatures symbolized imperial or royal authority, so they were commonly used as good omens representing wishes for peace, prosperity, health, and well-being. Over time, common people used dragons and phoenix in various areas of the household to symbolize everything joyful or auspicious. This section highlights ceramic vessels and ceremonial robes decorated with these imaginary creatures.

The third part is given to a wide variety of auspicious symbols used in Chinese arts and crafts. One of the most widespread wishes among Chinese people of the past was to lead a comfortable, happy life relishing the five blessings: happiness, political success, longevity, joy, and wealth. Thus, the Chinese people have long been fond of auspicious symbols representing these blessings, especially the first three. This section showcases the life that Chinese people desired and demonstrates how they tried to express their wishes through their personal items.

The Chinese tradition of using auspicious symbols to express people’s wishes through arts and crafts was transmitted to Korea and Japan, and each country continued to develop the tradition in its own way. Through this exhibition, viewers can compare and contrast the traditions of the three countries. The exhibition also helps mark the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and China. By looking back on the close cultural relationship the two countries have shared through history, the exhibition aims to promote future cultural exchanges between the two.

Flowers and Birds in Snow, Lu Ji
Ming Dynasty, Ink and light color on silk, 156.7 × 77.0 cm
National Museum of Korea (Gu 3078)

 Porcelain Bowl with Dragon Design in Indigo
Qing Dynasty, Height- 5.8 cm, Diameter (rim)- 13.2 cm
National Museum of Korea (Gu 2583)

Fencai Ceramic Basin with Bat Design
Qing Dynasty, Height- 10.2 cm, Diameter (rim)- 29.8 cm
 National Palace Museum of Korea

Wedding Robe
Qing Dynasty, Embroidery on silk, 110.0 × 178.0 cm,
Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum, Sookmyung Women’s University

Embroidery with Auspicious Symbol for “Longevity”
Qing Dynasty, Embroidery on silk, 66.0 × 48.2 cm
Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum, Sookmyung Women’s University

Three Saints, Xiao Chen
Ming Dynasty (1668), Color on silk, 147.0 × 96.0 cm
Hwajeong Museum