| Whether it is a painting, wall scroll, hand fan, porcelain | | | | - Bamboo - The attributes of bamboo are taken from |
| or other object, Chinese art can be enjoyed for its | | | | the way it grows in nature. Bamboo is a plant that is |
| unexplainable qualities that make it pleasing to the eye. | | | | delicate yet strong. It bends in the strongest of winds, |
| But the subjects of Chinese art also have ancient | | | | but seldom breaks. Its delicate leaves over slender |
| meanings. Three Chinese have long taken these | | | | stems represent the combination of vitality and |
| meanings into consideration when giving or receiving | | | | durability. |
| gifts. Here are a few objects used as subjects in | | | | - Peony - Most Chinese flowers are associated with |
| Chinese art, and their meanings: | | | | love and female beauty. The peony is also known as |
| - Bats - Bats in western culture most always are | | | | the 'flower of wealth and honor' in China. |
| thought of in a negative sense. But in China, the bat is | | | | - Lotus - A sacred symbol of Buddhism, the lotus rises |
| a sign of good luck. Two bats are even better - | | | | out of the muddy river and lake bed into a |
| double good luck. The depiction of five bats represents | | | | representation of purity and perfection. |
| the five blessings of wealth, health, virtue, a long life | | | | - Pine Tree - Holds it greenery year-round thus |
| and a natural death. | | | | represents longevity and endurance. It is also a hardy |
| - Cranes - The crane represents longevity. A pair of | | | | tree, and represents ongoing life in the face of |
| cranes represents longevity in a relationship as cranes | | | | adversity. |
| mate for life. | | | | - Tiger - Bravery, courage and strength. |
| - Dragons - Like the bat, dragons in western culture | | | | - Duck - A symbol of married bliss. A pair of ducks |
| are thought of as bad creatures, while in China they | | | | also brings longevity to the marriage. Most birds that |
| represent positive attributes. The dragon can represent | | | | are represented in pairs have the attribute of longevity |
| many things. Good fortune, energy, power, and | | | | for a relationship. |
| success. | | | | - Peach - The fruit of a long and healthy life. |