Eight Treasures
The Eight Treasures (Chinese: 八寶; pinyin: Bābǎo), also known as the Eight Precious Things,[1] are popular symbols in Chinese art and on Chinese numismatic charms.
While technically they may be any subset of the much longer list of the , there is a combination that is most popular.[2]
- the wish-granting pearl (寳珠, bǎozhū) or flaming pearl symbolises the granting of wishes.
- the double lozenges (方勝, "fāngshèng") symbolises happiness in marriage and counteracts maleficent influences.
- the stone chime (磬, "qìng") symbolises a just and upright life.
- the pair of rhinoceros horns (犀角, xījiǎo) symbolises happiness.
- the double coins (雙錢, shuāngqián) symbolises wealth.
- the gold or silver ingot (錠, dìng)
- coral (珊瑚, shānhú)
- wish-granting scepter (如意, rúyì)
See also[]
- Ashtamangala, eight sacred treasures and symbols in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
- Cintamani, a wish-fulfilling jewel in Buddhism.
References[]
- ^ Ghoteborg.com Eight Precious Things (Babao) by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 11 July 2018.
- ^ Terese Tse Bartholomew. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Hong Kong: Asian Art Museum-Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 2006 ISBN 0-939117-36-3
Categories:
- Cultural lists
- Chinese iconography