Porcelain

1.Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Gourd Vase

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.

2.Pink Pot

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.

3.Six-arm Guanyin subduing a Flood Dragon

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.

4.Ruyi (Scepter)

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.

5. Melon-shaped vase

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.