Page 225 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
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A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 218
Maple
feng
The Chinese word for ‘maple’ (feng) is phonetically identical with the word for
‘designation’ or ‘appointment’ (i.e. to a fief). In many pictures, a monkey is shown
perched in a maple. Below the monkey there is a bees’ nest (also feng). The monkey is
trying to catch hold of a packet wrapped in cloth which is hanging in the branches.
The packet contains a seal of office symbolising the preferment which, it is hoped, awaits
the recipient of the picture.
Monkey in a maple tree, reaching for the seal of office:
‘May the seal you carry be that of a count (earl)’
