Circular plaque with butterflies flanking the character for happiness
Place of OriginChina
Date1800-1900
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsNephrite
DimensionsH. 1/4 in x Diam. 2 5/16 in, H. 0.6 cm x Diam. 5.9 cm
Credit LineGift of R.W. Winskill in Memory of Lionel H. Pries
Object numberB86J16
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsJade And Stones
On View
On viewLocationGallery 17
More Information喜臨天下
Motifs for Happiness
The character for joy or happiness (xi 喜) is associated with pleasant events, such as weddings and the arrival of newborn sons. Throughout Chinese history, boys were regarded as vital to the preservation of the patriliny, because they would carry on the family name and continue to worship ancestors. In imperial society, men of the educated class sacrificed their childhood for the study of the classics, and their success in the civil service exams brought the greatest imaginable joy to the family.
Motifs for Happiness
The character for joy or happiness (xi 喜) is associated with pleasant events, such as weddings and the arrival of newborn sons. Throughout Chinese history, boys were regarded as vital to the preservation of the patriliny, because they would carry on the family name and continue to worship ancestors. In imperial society, men of the educated class sacrificed their childhood for the study of the classics, and their success in the civil service exams brought the greatest imaginable joy to the family.
Subject
- butterfly
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1800-1900
approx. 1800-1900
1800-1900
1644-1911
approx. 1850-1949
approx. 1900-1940
approx. 1700-1800
