Antique Chinese and Japanese Porcelain collector's help and info page

GLOSSARY

Bat (Fu)

Bats Fu Symbol of happiness

Imperial yellow pieces with bat - happiness - decoration. Tongzhi period (1862-1874).

Due to the homophony of the Chinese word fu for "bat", and fu for "prosperity and good fortune" the bat has become a symbol for good luck, often found in red, the color of joy. Five bats above a peach represent good luck and longevity related to the Five Blessings; of longevity, wealth, health, virtuousness, and a peaceful end. The symbolic value of the color of red, enhances the "good luck".

To enhance their symbolism of blessings, they are often paired with other symbols of prosperity, such as peaches, bamboo, chrysanthemum, roses, pomegranate, dragons, and carps, among others.

HOME

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z