What are the meanings of the "magpies on plum branches" pattern on official kiln porcelain?
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The "magpies on plum branches" pattern on official kiln porcelain has rich meanings, mainly in the following aspects:
- Good news is coming: In traditional Chinese culture, the ancients regarded magpies as a symbol of happiness. The writer Wang Renyu of the Five Dynasties period mentioned in "Stories of Kaiyuan and Tianbao" that "people in those days regarded the sound of magpies as an auspicious omen, so it is said that magpies bring good news". When magpies appear on porcelain patterns, it represents that good things are about to happen. The "magpies on plum branches" pattern combines magpies with plum blossoms, further emphasizing the meaning of impending happiness and symbolizing beautiful things about to occur.
- Joyful mood and high spirits: "Magpies on plum branches" describes a person's beaming expression when good things happen. This pattern reflects people's inner joy and longing and expectation for a happy life. Seeing such a pattern will also psychologically produce a positive, joyful and cheerful feeling.
- The arrival of spring and vitality: Plum blossoms are flowers that bloom in winter and are messengers of the arrival of spring. They symbolize tenacity, purity and hope. The picture of magpies on plum branches not only implies the approach of spring but also represents the recovery of all things and vitality. This coincides with people's pursuit of a new beginning and new hope.
- Blessings for a beautiful life: The "magpies on plum branches" pattern on official kiln porcelain is usually exquisitely crafted and is an artistic work carefully created by craftsmen at that time. Such porcelain was often used in the lives of the court or nobles as a decoration or gift. Therefore, the "magpies on plum branches" pattern also carries people's blessings for a beautiful life and good wishes for the owners.
In short, the "magpies on plum branches" pattern is an important manifestation of traditional Chinese auspicious culture. Through the combination of magpies and plum blossoms, it conveys multiple meanings such as the coming of good news, joyful mood, the arrival of spring and blessings for a beautiful life, and is deeply loved by people.