Symbolism
Sprouting from Mud
Seeing Lotuses Everywhere

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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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