Animal motifs don’t merely serve a decorative function in Chinese culture – they carry philosophical, metaphorical and auspicious meanings. Whether they’re carved into an antique cabinet or painstakingly painted onto porcelain, different animals represent different things, giving your home a particular energy or symbolic association depending on the animal or combination of animals depicted.
Here, we break down some of the most common animal motifs used in Chinese antique furniture to explore their symbolic significance.
Dragon
The dragon is probably one of the first animals (albeit mythological) that comes to mind when thinking about Chinese culture. Historically, the dragon has been exclusively used by emperors, connecting with ideas of imperial power, royalty and nobility. Due to these powerful associations, dragons have also come to represent good fortune, strength, wisdom and positive chi – all great qualities to bring into your home!
Dragons can be seen adorning Chinese porcelain as well as being painted or carved onto cabinet door panels and bed frames. The creatures may be depicted in different postures, which add another layer of meaning. For instance, a dragon flying through clouds is often interpreted as a symbol of freedom and aspiration – something the owner of the item may hope to embody.
Phoenix
The phoenix, like the dragon, is a legendary creature rooted in ancient Chinese mythology. The elegant bird is associated with peace, virtue and benevolence. Legend also states that phoenix sightings are a good omen, making them a natural motif to incorporate when trying to invite peace and prosperity into your life.
While the dragon is linked to the emperor, the phoenix is linked to the empress. When depicted alongside dragons, phoenixes come to represent the female, while dragons represent the male. This creates a yin-yang balance and can symbolise a harmonious marriage.
Qilin
Sometimes called the ‘Chinese unicorn’, the qilin is a benevolent, gentle mythological beast with the head of a lion or dragon, the body of a deer, the hooves of a horse, the tail of an ox, fish scales and a single or double horn.
This fantastical creature is known to bestow prosperity and serenity. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is very kind and gentle towards other living beings. As such, when it’s used in furniture carvings and decorative painting, the qilin symbolises extreme good fortune, longevity and wisdom.
Tiger
As the ‘King of Beasts’, the tiger is another powerful symbol. Images of these big cats tend to represent strength, bravery and protection. Because of their powerful status and martial prowess, images of tigers also serve as defensive talismans and help ward off evil spirits.
The tiger is a particularly popular motif in antique furniture from the Qinghai region. They may adorn doors and cabinets in the home to help keep intruders out.
Deer
The Mandarin word for deer sounds like the word for salary, so depictions of deer are often thought to represent career success and good fortune or prosperity more broadly.
Deer are also frequently connected with longevity and immortality. As in mythology, they are known to accompany the Taoist God and Goddess of longevity. They are also said to be particularly adept at finding the lingzhi ‘mushroom of immortality’, which is thought to promote long life and spiritual health.
Butterfly
Butterflies are often paired with flowers and garden scenes, creating some lovely, elegant pieces. These delicate creatures symbolise happiness and enduring love. This means they’re often incorporated into wedding furniture.
They can also be linked to longevity, as the word for butterfly sounds similar to the word for advanced age, hinting at a long and fulfilling life. Butterflies are a very optimistic visual.
Crane
After the phoenix, the crane is the second most revered bird in Chinese mythology. As birds of long life, they symbolise longevity and wisdom. They were also believed to carry immortals between heaven and earth, supporting their connection with immortality, spiritual power and moral integrity.
Furniture or art decorated with cranes tends to convey wishes for health and happiness. It can also be used to depict high status, as cranes are ‘a bird of the first rank’ in imperial hierarchy and their image was used in rank badges for court officials in the Qing dynasty.
Rabbit
Rabbits can symbolise an array of positive concepts, including longevity, loyalty, peace and gentleness. When used in the home, rabbits offer an element of harmony, sometimes with ideas of caution and vigilance too – reflecting the natural habits of deft rabbits.
They are also considered to be the luckiest animal in the Chinese zodiac, so may be incorporated into pieces that aim to bestow good fortune, prosperity and a happy life.
Fish
Fish have long been associated with wealth and affluence in Chinese culture, as the word for fish can also sound like the word for abundance or surplus. When used in furniture and art, fish motifs are thought to bring auspicious blessings to the household, helping to encourage good fortune year after year.
Depictions of pairs of fish can also symbolise matrimonial happiness and harmony.
We’ve barely scratched the surface here when it comes to symbolism in antique Chinese furniture. Aside from animals, plants, colours and particular shapes can also convey intricate meanings, adding to the story of every piece that incorporates them.
To explore more unique pieces with layers of historical significance, see our extensive selection of Chinese antiques, including wedding cabinets, chests, Chinese altar tables and more.
