清 瑪瑙石榴擺件|Pomegranates

Unknown

18th century · Agate · Asian Art

As the Chinese character for “seed” (zi) is the same as that for “son,” the many-seeded pomegranate is viewed as a symbol for having multiple sons who are expected to continue the family line. The use of puns and rebuses to express wishes for good fortune, longevity, prosperity, and even academic success has been a common theme in Chinese art.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Agate

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902