Ornament in the Form of Bat, one of a pair, 17th-19th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Goldexpand_more
Gift of Mrs. Charles S. Pillsbury, Phillip Winston Pillsbury, Mary Stinson Pillsbury Lord, Katherine Stevens Pillsbury McKee and Helen Winston Pillsbury Becker in memory of Charles S. Pillsburyexpand_more 51.27.127.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Gold has been used by the Chinese for personal ornaments since the Shang dynasty. Because the Chinese word for bat (fu) sounds the same as the word for happiness, the bat became extremely popular as an auspicious motif. Emblematic of joy and happiness, bats can be found in nearly all of the decorative arts of the late Ming and Qing dynasties and they were extremely popular as motifs in women's clothing, jewelry and costume accessories.
Details
- Title
- Ornament in the Form of Bat, one of a pair
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 51.27.127.1
- Curator Approved
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