Page 310 - September 23 to 24 Important Chinese Art Christie's NYC

Sun 日 Moon 月 Stars 星辰
The sun is represented by the symbol of a three- The moon is represented by the hare pounding the The stars are represented by the constellation,
legged cockerel, as the cockerel is symbolic of elixir of life, which is derived from a Chinese legend which is thought to represent Ursa Major. In
the dawn. of a hare that inhabited the moon. ancient times, the position of Ursa Major was
interpreted as a clock, which was used to dictate
the timing for rituals.

Mountain 山 Dragons 龍 Golden Pheasant 華蟲

This, along with the four symbols on the lower The paired dragons, which are shown both The golden pheasant is thought to be representative
portion of the robe, likely represent the wu xing ascending and descending, represent the sun and of the Vermilion Bird (Red Phoenix) constellation,
(five elements). This symbol is thought to represent are thought to represent the summer solstice. and thus may represent the Spring equinox.
the rock, which symbolizes the wearer (the
Emperor) being at the center of gravity.

The Twelve Ancient Symbols of Imperial Authority first appeared on the The cosmic imagery of the dragon robe, rather than construction features,
Manchu emperor's clothing after 1759. The Huangchao liqi tushi (Illustrated was of paramount concern. See J. E. Vollmer, Five Colours of the Universe:
Precedents for the Ritual Paraphernalia of the Imperial Court), which was Symbolism in Clothes and Fabrics of the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911),
enforced in 1766, restricted the use of the Twelve Symbols to the Emperor. Edmonton Art Gallery, Hong Kong, 1980, pp. 22-3. As a result, the garment
The symbols imply the notion of Imperial authority, signifying that the Emperor extended from shoulder to floor for both genders to provide an uninterrupted
is the Ruler of the Universe. In the Qing dynasty, the first four symbols - surface for decoration. Gender identifiers were reduced to subtle, non-
sun, moon, stars, and mountain - were placed at the shoulders, chest and structural features. Male longpao were vented at the center front and back
mid-back; the symbol of distinction (fu), axe, paired dragons, and the golden acknowledging Manchu origins as mounted warriors. Womens' longpao
pheasant appeared at waist level; and temple-cups, aquatic grass, grains of remained vented at the sides. In addition, female coats carried an extra band
millet, and flames were placed at knee level on the skirts of the coat. that matched the neck facings and cuffs.

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