Title
Carp
Label
Carp 鲤(lǐ)
Made in Jingdezhen, China, 1760-1780
Made of hard-paste porcelain
On loan from Felicia Warburg Rogan
These tureens appear to be flopping around and would have made a humorous pair on a European dinner table, where they likely held sauces to accompany the meal. In Chinese tradition, however, carp are seen as symbols of luck and perseverance.
According to ancient legend, if a carp successfully crosses the Dragon’s Gate (tiào lóngmén 跳龙门) of the Yellow River, it will transform into a mighty dragon. Thus, carp swimming upstream represent perseverance and overnight success.
The Chinese word for carp (lǐ鲤) also sounds similar to the words for power (lì 力) and profit (lì 利), making these fish, especially auspicious symbols.
Made in Jingdezhen, China, 1760-1780
Made of hard-paste porcelain
On loan from Felicia Warburg Rogan
These tureens appear to be flopping around and would have made a humorous pair on a European dinner table, where they likely held sauces to accompany the meal. In Chinese tradition, however, carp are seen as symbols of luck and perseverance.
According to ancient legend, if a carp successfully crosses the Dragon’s Gate (tiào lóngmén 跳龙门) of the Yellow River, it will transform into a mighty dragon. Thus, carp swimming upstream represent perseverance and overnight success.
The Chinese word for carp (lǐ鲤) also sounds similar to the words for power (lì 力) and profit (lì 利), making these fish, especially auspicious symbols.
Collection
Citation
“Carp,” Museums at Washington and Lee University: Online Exhibits, accessed May 17, 2024, https://exhibits-museums.omeka.wlu.edu/items/show/366.