Porcelain
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1.Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Gourd Vase
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Eight
Immortals Crossing the Sea Gourd Vase
Appearance:
It is a gourd vase where there are eight immortals, and each of them has a
unique story.
Q:
1.
What
are the stories behind the eight immortals on the porcelain?
A:
Although these eight immortals are immortal, their leader is Jade Emperor.
2.
So
why were the eight immortals painted on the porcelain?
A: All
the people will eventually die when they are old unless they practice the rules
of immortality. The eight immortals are ordinary people who practiced the rules
of immortality and became immortal.
3.
Was
the vase a decoration in the past or did it have other special functions?
A: It was
used for decoration. However, it still can be used as a vase.
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2.Pink Pot
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Appearance
Description: It looks like a normal pot in its appearance. However, it is
special that its middle part was made of copper where charcoal could be placed.
Q:
1.
Is
there any rule governing the use of pink flower pot?
A:
Charcoal would be placed in the pot in the Qing Dynasty. Because the materials
of copper include minerals, if the pot is not washed thoroughly after the use,
it will become filthy. However, because the outer part of the pot is porcelain,
it can be easily washed without any stain left. This pot is unique because its
outer part is porcelain and its middle part is copper. Because this pot was
intended for the use by emperor, the middle part was made of copper which can
keep the heat.
2.
Was
the pot used by the rich or ordinary people?
A: Yes.
It was used by the rich.
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3.Six-arm Guanyin subduing a Flood Dragon
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Appearance
Description: Guanyin has six arms and holds a shackle tying the feet of a flood
dragon. Because it violated the rules in the heaven, Guuuanyin would like to
punish it.
Q:
1.
Why
is the dragon tied up? What are the meaning and story behind?
A: This
dragon was responsible for controlling the ocean. However, it led to seawater
intrusion and violated the rules in the heaven, so Guanyin punished it by tying
it up with the chain.
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4.Ruyi (Scepter)
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It was
made in the Ming Dynasty. It looks like a scale. However, it was used as a
backscratcher. It was then transformed into a decorative article representingbenediction.
Q:
1.
Was
the Ruyi used as a tool as or a decorative article?
A: It was
quite useful in the past. However, because its incarnation helped King Zhou of
Shang, so it was turned into a decorative article. It used to be a backscratcher.
However, it is no longer used as a backscratcher now and represents
benediction.
2.
Was
it owned by ordinary people or the rich?
A: It was
used by officials and the rich.
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5. Melon-shaped vase
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Appearance: it is shaped
as the melon seeds that we like to eat. The upper part is curvy. It was used
for decoration purpose.
Questions:
1. What were the functions of the melon-shaped vase?
A: It was used for decoration purpose due to its
unique shape.
2. Was it used only by people of high status, or by common people?
A: Emperor only. Emperor Kangxi used to have it
in the palace.
3. What is its story?
A: Its shape conveys the meaning of having many
sons and grandsons because emperors like to have many children.
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Source: Lujhou City The Forbidden City Museum
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