Vase with evergreen and dragon

The dragon climbing up the right side of this vase is balanced by a large Rohdea japonica (evergreen) on the left. This sturdy evergreen's name (wannianqing) means "ten-thousand-years green" and is thus a pun for "ten thousand." The bright green leaves symbolize continued growth and happiness; the clusters of red berries (red is considered auspicious) stand for numerous descendents. This evergreen was beloved by the Manchu emperors because its name also puns with that of their dynasty (Qing), which suggested that their unified reign might last "ten thousand years" (yitong wannian).

HIDDEN MEANING: May you enjoy ten thousand longevities, and may you be blessed with many sons and grandsons (wannian changqing, zisun wandai)!