Chinese Zodiac Lucky Spring Couplet Dou Fang / Dragon Playing with Pearl Ji Ji Ruyi / Traditional Dragon Motif / 15cm

Spring Couplets - Dou Fang Dragon Playing With A Pearl Post Card Since ancient times, dragons have been revered as auspicious mythical creatures and were the totems of ancient tribal ancestors. By the Yuan Dynasty, they gradually began to be associated with imperial imagery, and all officials and commoners were strictly forbidden from using dragon motifs. For instance, decorative patterns on vessels and clothing could not feature dragon or phoenix designs. The five-clawed dragon was specifically designated as an imperial pattern. The Ming Dynasty further established strict hierarchical rules for official attire and court robes, stipulating that colors such as black, yellow, and purple, along with dragon and phoenix motifs, were prohibited on clothing and curtains. Fortunately, we live in contemporary times, where displaying an elegant and noble dragon image for collection or decoration will not lead to imprisonment. - According to China's first dictionary, the character "龍" (dragon) is defined as: "The chief of scaly creatures. It can be hidden or manifest, tiny or immense, short or long. It ascends to heaven at the spring equinox and dives into the abyss at the autumn equinox." - Xu Shen of the Eastern Han Dynasty, *Shuowen Jiezi* (100 AD). The dragon, capable of soaring through the heavens and dwelling in the deepest abyss, with its ever-changing form, has been considered an auspicious creature since antiquity. Ancient depictions of dragons often presented them in various poses, such as coiled, soaring, walking, or looking back. Surrounding depictions of soaring dragons are often adorned with various auspicious patterns to enhance their dynamism and sense of good fortune. These include auspicious cloud patterns, Ruyi cloud patterns, sea wave patterns, sea wave and cliff patterns (composed of sea waves and mountain cliffs, symbolizing peace across the four seas and stability of the realm), and pearl-flame patterns (a pearl accompanied by flames, forming the image of a dragon playing with a pearl). This piece, "Dragon Playing With A Pearl," features a dragon's head with flowing hair between its horns, creating the impression of flight. Its eyebrows are flame-shaped, its nose is large with whiskers, its body is robust and winding, and its scales are intricately arranged along the curves. Its five claws are as strong and powerful as an eagle's. The dragon's expression is majestic and supreme, with its mouth open and teeth bared, in pursuit of a fiery pearl. - Spring couplets are displayed for an entire year, a significant annual event that calls for careful selection of exquisite quality. - Calligraphy by Ji Ji: Wang Ti (1880-1960), also known as Fu An, a native of Zhejiang. He was a calligrapher and seal carver of the late Qing and early Republican periods. Pattern: Traditional Dragon Playing With A Pearl Motif Quantity: 1 piece Size: 15 x 15 cm Paper: Eco-friendly Red Cardstock Weight: 240 g/m2 Heavyweight Printing: Letterpress Hot Foil Stamping Color: Matte Rose Gold Back: Blank on the back - Crafted with care by Studio of a Beautiful Day Printed in Taiwan - About Shipping After payment, it takes 1-2 business days from preparation to shipment, excluding holidays. If you choose Taiwan Post registered mail, delivery will occur on the 2nd or 3rd day after shipment. If you choose convenience store pickup, your order will arrive at the designated store 48 hours after shipment. Please pay attention to the SMS notifications from the logistics system.