18th-Century "Chinese Plate"

From: Asian Art Museum Limited Edition: 33 Exhibition: Hidden Meanings: Symbolism in Chinese Art Material: Printed vinyl Dimensions: 35" x 72" (88cm x 182cm) Hanging Hardware Included Summary If someone gives you a lovely piece of Chinese porcelain as a wedding gift, be sure it features ducks and bats rather than ravens or flames. Symbols hidden in the decorative adornment might be wishing you well, or cursing your union. These fascinating layers of meaning were unveiled in the Asian Art Museum's  exhibition "Hidden Meanings: Symbolism in Chinese Art". Description In a language where symbols are language, it should come as no surprise that the layers of imagery and meaning that are part of the written word are also part of the language of art. Symbolism has long been prevalent in the Chinese decorative arts, giving rich meaning even to everyday objects. During the Qing Dynasty (c. 1736-1795), many visual puns, or rebuses were incorporated in the decoration of clothing, ceramics, and ot