Description:

This brush-pot is packed with symbolic meanings. The bats and the warrior carrying an axe stand for happiness and bravery. The words for axe and bats (fu) both have the same sound as the Chinese character meaning happiness. The man catching a giant carp symbolises advantage, wealth and many sons, whilst the crane in the sky stands for a rise in status.

Glass, carved overlay
Height: 14.0 cm, diameter: 8.8 cm

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1800-1900, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4664