Page 193 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht
P. 193

Both the crab and the conch shell have significance as Chinese cultural symbols. The conch is one of the Eight
            Buddhist Symbols [bajixiang    ] and originally is derived from older Hindu belief where it was considered a
            symbol of royalty. In Buddhist culture it is seen as being a symbol of the pure and true teachings of the Buddha.
            It is also perceived as a symbol of Buddha’s voice and is used to call worshippers to prayer. In ancient times,
            conch shells were considered of high value and were used as currency, particularly white shells. The crab is
            representative of harmony.











                                                                                 The finish to the bottom of this
                                                                                 bowl  is  highly  unusual  for
                                                                                 Chinese  silver  and  the  parcel
                                                                                 gilded  interior  is  particularly
                                                                                 bright so that it is in contrast to
                                                                                 the copper of the crab.


















































                                                    A  small  quatrefoil-shaped  snuff  box  by  Cheong  Lam  with  a
                                                    double traditional Chinese meander border to the top and bottom
                                                    of the sides of the box.

                                                    To a Westerner this would be seen as being a quatrefoil box; to a
                                                    Chinese person this would be seen as lingzhi-shape - lingo being
                                                    a prized fungus that symbolises great health and longevity
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