All things have a spirit, and this spirit is embodied in objects.
In the decoration of traditional Chinese tea sets, animal patterns are not realistic representations, but rather symbols that express emotions and wishes.
Whether auspicious, lively, or serene, they subtly incorporate people's expectations for life into their daily tea drinking.
Every object and every pattern has its own meaning.
I. Dragon - The Foremost Auspicious Symbol
Meaning : Nobility, authority, auspiciousness, prosperity
The dragon is the most symbolic mythical creature in Chinese culture.
On tea sets, dragon patterns often feature smooth lines and a continuous momentum, and are frequently paired with cloud and water patterns to symbolize vitality and power.
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Common techniques : blue and white porcelain, relief carving, gilding
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Common vessel types : teapot, gaiwan, collectible teaware
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Overall demeanor : dignified and grand
II. Phoenix - The Beauty of Harmony
Meaning : Peace, wealth, harmony, and good fortune
Phoenix patterns often appear in pairs with dragon patterns, symbolizing harmony between yin and yang and prosperity of the family business.
In the decoration of tea sets, the phoenix pattern is graceful and lively.
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Common techniques : famille rose, gilding
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Common vessel types : gift sets, festive tea sets
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Overall temperament : gorgeous and graceful
III. Crane - Purity and Longevity
Symbolism : Longevity, elegance, and nobility
Cranes have been regarded as celestial birds since ancient times, symbolizing self-cultivation, longevity, and peace.
Crane-patterned tea sets feature mostly blank space and simple, clean lines, giving them a transcendent and refined feel.
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Common techniques : ink wash painting, blue and white porcelain
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Common vessel shapes : simple and elegant teacups, literati tea sets
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Overall atmosphere : serene and tranquil
IV. Fish - Abundance and Plenty
Meaning : Wealth, good fortune, and abundance year after year
Fish patterns are very common in teaware, especially carp patterns.
Fish are often combined with water patterns and lotus flowers, creating vivid images that symbolize a continuous flow of good fortune.
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Common techniques : engraving, relief carving, gilding
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Common vessel shapes : tea strainer, cup body, teapot knob
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Overall temperament : Lively, auspicious
V. Deer - Blessed with Good Fortune
Meaning : Good fortune, longevity, and official rank
The word "deer" is a homophone for "prosperity," symbolizing a smooth career and a wealthy life.
Deer patterns are often paired with pine trees and auspicious clouds, creating a gentle and stable composition.
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Common techniques : hand-painted, blue and white porcelain
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Common vessel types : tea caddies, decorative tea sets
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Overall demeanor : peaceful and composed
VI. Bat - Good Fortune Arrives Before Your Eyes
Meaning : Good fortune and auspiciousness
Bats are often misunderstood in Western culture, but in traditional Chinese patterns, the "bat" is a homophone for "good fortune."
Bat patterns are often combined with the character for longevity and cloud patterns to symbolize good fortune arriving at the door.
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Common techniques : engraving, gilding
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Common vessel shapes : decorations on the rim of cups and the body of teapots
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Overall atmosphere : festive and auspicious
VII. Horse - Successful despite hard work
Meaning : Smooth sailing, progress, and success in one's career
Horse stripes symbolize that hard work and dedication will eventually pay off, and are often used to wish someone success in their career.
The lines emphasize movement, creating a dynamic and expressive composition.
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Common techniques : Blue and white porcelain, hand-painted
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Common vessel shapes : teapot, whole piece with design
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Overall temperament : bold and enterprising
VIII. Other Common Animal Patterns (Brief Description)
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Lion : Guardian, Majesty
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Elephant : Auspicious, steady
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Mandarin ducks : symbolizing harmony and marriage.
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Swallows : Spring returns, good news
Conclusion: Animal patterns are the embodiment of good wishes.
The animals on tea sets are not simply depictions of nature, but symbolic representations imbued with human emotions.
They quietly accompany the wishes of "fortune, longevity, harmony, and smoothness" in every cup of tea.
When you choose a tea set with an animal print, you are also choosing a blessing for life.
- Brewin Teaware
