Chinese Bronze Eight Lucky Dragons Bitong

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Chinese bronze Eight Lucky Dragons bitong , a finely formed brushpot of eight sides, of heavy weight, with original intact … Read more Chinese bronze Eight Lucky Dragons bitong , a finely formed brushpot of eight sides, of heavy weight, with original intact dark patina with bronze highlights. Eight different dragons, one dragon per face, are finely carved in bas-relief, decorating the body of the vase. The dragons are bracketed above by a band of curling vines and below by a band of stylized, cloud and thunder meanders. A four character, Qianlong, reign mark is carved to the inset base. Circa Republic of China era or later.

Dragon: Chinese dragons, or Long, are symbols of good fortune, strength, wisdom, and imperial power, They are associated with control over water and weather, representing the life-giving force of rain and the potential for destruction in floods. They also represent yang masculine energy, are a part of the Chinese zodiac.

Number Eight: In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered very lucky because its pronunciation (bā) sounds similar to the word for "wealth" or "prosper" (發, fā).

Eight dragons: refers to The Eight Immortals, a group of legendary xian (immortals) in Chinese mythology. Each immortal's power can be transferred to a vessel (法器) that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight vessels are called the "Covert Eight Immortals" (暗八仙). Most of them are said to have been born in the Tang or Song Dynasty. They are revered by the Taoists and are also a popular element in secular Chinese culture. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, which includes Mount Penglai. See less