China Tray, Luck & Good Fortune, Chiseled And Cut Brass, Width 82 Cm, 19th Century

Large brass tray engraved with a burin and cut on the theme of luck and good fortune. Originally from China, this object has a large number of symbols and a very beautiful patina, from the end of the 19th century to the very beginning of the 20th century. From the outside to the inside we will note and find: # Eight openwork decorations of four peonies and four other decorations. These eight openwork pieces are spaced by eight mandorlas engraved with writing placed in honeycomb cells. # A sloping frieze in the edge followed by a frieze of openwork Chinese ideograms # A large frieze of eight round openwork medallions, four carps alternate with four cranes. # A frieze evoking the sun surrounds a large medallion of a dragon emerging from the clouds. The whole is surrounded and encircled by a flat set rush. MEANINGS ## The four peonies are not there by chance associated with the carps, or eight medallions: The luckiest number in China is "8" The "8" is the favorite number in Chinese society because of its link with wealth and luck. The Chinese love this number just as much in trivial circumstances as in important moments of their lives. The "8" enjoys absolute preference when choosing a license plate or a house. For example, an apartment located on the 8th floor will be the most coveted in the entire building. Or, an address or license plate containing the number 8 is considered lucky. Similarly, the mobile numbers chosen, in priority, are those containing one or more 8. On the other hand, the Chinese believe that the number "4" attracts misfortune. Similarly, these superstitions related to numbers, fengshui and the Chinese zodiac impose successes associated with numbers in a different way depending on the place or the person. ## Symbol and meaning of the carp: More precisely, they represent strength and perseverance, as they swim against the current of the rivers and waterfalls of Japan and Asia. According to Chinese legend, the carp of the Yellow River, after swimming up the river, fly into the sky, transforming into dragons. ## In popular tradition, the crane also symbolizes lasting feelings and protection. The crane is considered in China as a symbol of calm, flexibility and longevity. When standing, it stands like a pine tree: strength of its spine, circulation of energy between the coccyx and the head. ## The Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power and luck in Chinese culture. Unlike Western dragons, they are generally considered benevolent and kind. They have long been a symbol in Chinese folklore and art. ## Without a doubt, this tray must have been a special order for a man or a woman eager for good fortune, who wanted to attract good, surrounded by symbol. The "8" number of fortune, the peony, sign of wealth, symbolize infinite fortune, let's hope that this person has found happiness and that the future buyer of this tray becomes happy and rich as Croesus! Thank you for your attention. For any request I can be reached at 06 13 36 09 30 or winsteinprovence@gmail.com Dimensions: Width: 82 cm (32") x height: 4 cm, weight 4285 grs FREE SHIPPING FOR FRANCE 0€ / EUROPE 25€ / WORLD 50€ www.winsteinprovence.com ## Texts and photos Winstein, rights reserved ref winstein 1082