Uncovering the Secrets of Symbolism in Chinese Art
Chinese art is a rich visual language honed over centuries, in which every brushstroke, colour choice, and composition carries deeper significance. In this article, we consider the symbolic world of Chinese art, where nature and spirituality intertwine, and examine what different elements and compositional choices would have communicated to audiences of the time.
While respecting the historical language of their medium, today’s artists continually push the boundaries of their craft, and modern connoisseurs of Chinoiserie are motivated as much by visual harmony and aesthetics as by underlying symbolism. Nevertheless, at J. L. Mackintosh we are happy to advise our clients on how best to combine historical authenticity with contemporary styles.
Cranes And Bamboo, Shen Shi Ru, Qing Dynasty
Collection of the Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Birds
Birds occupy a prominent place in Chinese art, symbolising important virtues and blessings. Common birds in Chinese art include:
Cranes: These elegant birds represent longevity, wisdom, and immortality. In Chinese mythology, cranes are believed to carry souls to the heavens. Their graceful movements have long made them a favourite of Oriental artists and poets alike.
Phoenix: The mythical phoenix embodies rebirth and renewal. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, rising from its ashes. Often depicted with vibrant plumage, the phoenix signifies prosperity and harmony.
Swallows: Swallows are messengers of good fortune. Their return in spring heralds the arrival of warmth and abundance. In art, swallows evoke feelings of hope and optimism.
Album of Sixteen Kinds of Peonies, Jiang Tingxi
Collection of the Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Flowers
Flowers hold immense significance in Chinese culture, with each variety and colour carrying its own message, for example:
Plum Blossoms: Blooming in winter, plum blossoms symbolize resilience and perseverance. They remind us that beauty can emerge even in adversity.
Orchids: Orchids represent refinement and elegance. Their delicate petals mirror the refined qualities of scholars and artists. Orchids also signify friendship and nobility.
Peonies: These lush, fragrant blooms are associated with wealth, honour, and prosperity. In Chinese art, peonies often appear in paintings of opulent gardens, conveying a sense of abundance and good fortune.
Landscapes
Chinese landscape paintings transcend mere representation. They convey spiritual insights and philosophical ideas:
Mountains: Mountains symbolize stability, strength, and enlightenment. The mist-shrouded peaks often represent the elusive path to spiritual awakening.
Rivers and Streams: Flowing water symbolizes life’s journey. It represents adaptability, resilience, and the constant flux of existence.
Bamboo Groves: Bamboo, with its slender stalks and rustling leaves, embodies resilience and flexibility.
A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, Wang Ximeng, 12th Century, Collection of the Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Lacquer Bowl Stand, Ming Dynasty (1403-24)
Collection of the V&A, London
Colours
Colours play a crucial role in Chinese art:
Red: The colour of luck and celebration, red is often used in festive paintings and auspicious symbols.
Gold: Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, gold accents elevate artworks and evoke a sense of opulence.
Blue and Green: These colors represent harmony, tranquility, and balance. They feature prominently in landscape paintings.
Yellow: In the Qing period, yellow glazes on pottery and yellow grounds for fabric were strictly limited to the Imperial Court and represented the Emperor.
“Osmanthus flowers fall alone;
The blooming mountains are calm at night.
The moon ascends, alarming birds
That chirp in spring on water white.”
Chinese art invites us to look beyond the surface—to appreciate the layers of symbolism woven into every stroke. Whether it’s a delicate lotus or a majestic dragon, each element carries a hidden message waiting to be deciphered by the discerning viewer.
So, next time you admire one of our hand-painted wall coverings, remember that it is more than pigment on silk—it is a bridge across cultures and centuries, imbued with meaning.