A Glimpse into the Original Artwork
The “Richness and Happiness” painting was created by Huang Jiming(黄际明), a court painter in the late Qing Dynasty. Although his birth and death years remain unknown, he was the foreman of the Ruyi Studio in the Forbidden City. Huang (黄际明)was highly skilled in various painting techniques, including figures, flowers, animals, and landscapes.
This particular painting features roosters, hens, chicks, peonies, and rocks. The rooster has bright feathers, the hen is plump, and the chicks are lively as they play among the peonies and rocks. The peonies, with their large blossoms and thick leaves, exude elegance and grandeur, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. The rocks, with their hard outlines and clear textures, add a sense of stability to the composition.
The Auspicious Meanings Embraced
Wealth and Prosperity
Peonies, known as the “King of Flowers” due to their large size, rich fragrance, and magnificent appearance, are a symbol of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity in Chinese culture. In traditional Chinese auspicious paintings, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, peonies were often paired with golden pheasants to represent wealth. In this “Richness and Happiness” painting, the combination of peonies and chickens also conveys the same prosperous meaning.
Good Luck and Celebration
The word “chicken” in Chinese is homophonous with “good luck” (“吉”, jí). Moreover, the crowing of a rooster, which sounds like “鸣” (míng), is homophonous with “fame” (“名”, míng), suggesting “fame and fortune”. The presence of a rooster, a hen, and chicks together implies a harmonious family and numerous descendants. When combined with peonies, they create a beautiful and auspicious message of “richness and good luck”.
The Cross – Stitch Version: A New Way to Appreciate
Now, you can bring this auspicious “Richness and Happiness” into your home in a new form – a cross – stitch. The cross – stitch version not only retains the original beauty of the painting but also allows you to engage in a creative and relaxing activity. As you stitch, you are not just creating a work of art; you are also inviting the positive energies and good omens represented in the painting into your life.
Whether you are an experienced cross – stitcher or a beginner, this project is a wonderful way to add a touch of cultural richness and good luck to your living space. Hang it on your wall, and let the “Richness and Happiness” bless your home every day.
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