Heavenly Officials with Symbols for Success in Examinations, Happiness, and Good Fortune
Chinese
Description
Subject Matter:
The main figure dressed, possibly a god or scholarly official, is dressed in an elaborate robe and black headress. His robe features a crane in the center, which symbolizes longevity and peace, and he is holding a dish filled with gourds. The gourd is a plant that is often used for medicine. It contains many seeds and is associated with "10,000 children," so it is a symbol for a large family with many children. The gourd is also popular as a charm to ward off evil spirits and diseases. The words in staff translates to "generations to generations." This image represents the prosperity of a family, and to wish for generations of children.
Physical Description:
Image depicts a figure in an elaborate and brightly-colored robe holding a dish in one hand and facing left. The dish is filled with gourds. Behind him is another smaller figure in a blue robe holding an ornamented staff featuring Chinese characters.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.