Symbolism is everything in Chinese Culture and thus, also reflected in its Arts.Take this Qing Dynasty carving.The symbolic auspiciousness is Prosperity, Authority and Longevity ( Fuk Luk Sau) and is represented in the rebus of the Bat on shoulder (Fuk for Prosperity),Monkey (Hou/Marquis for Authority,Luk) and the Peach(symbol of Longevity,Sau).So, usually Chinese Art is appreciated not only for its aesthetics but also for its deeper symbolism and how well the artist can harmonize this symbolism in the works of art!!!
