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Symbolism
Chinese culture values
harmony between
humans and nature,
viewing all things
in heaven and earth
as parts of a whole.
For example,
the plum blossom
symbolizes nobility,
the orchid symbolizes
reputable leaders,
bamboo symbolizes
those of moral character,
the chrysanthemum
symbolizes asceticism,
and the lotus implies
purity and faithfulness.
Even in mud
it remains pure,
upholding morality
and bestowing peace,
harmony, and unity.
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Sprouting from Mud
As the word for
one type of lotus
sounds like the word
for "honesty" in Chinese,
the lotus was often
used as a metaphor
for being just and fair,
encouraging officials
to avoid corruption.
For example, images of
the lotus and white herons
were often hung in
the studies of literati,
as they symbolize
a path free from corruption.
In the words of
the poet Li Bai:
"From pure water
comes the lotus,
natural and unadorned,"
implying that nature
does not need to
boast its beauty,
as the lotus
is beautiful
in its purity.
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Seeing Lotuses Everywhere
The lotus flower
has many meanings
and enjoys broad usage
across all kinds of
cultural artifacts,
as both decorative
and essential.
For example,
various porcelains such as
Blue and White Lotus Stem Plate
have painted images,
while impressions such as
the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD)
brick print Hunting and Gathering
have carved flower patterns.
Other artifacts like
Twin Beasts and Ducks Lotus Mirror
from the Tang Dynasty(618 AD–907 AD)
directly use the shape
of the lotus flower
to make the object,
while on the other hand,
White Jade Immortal with Lotus
combines essential aspects
of the lotus flower
in its design.
The lotus flower is also
one of the most
important symbols
in Buddhist artifacts.
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