Updated: 2007-06-26 09:42

Taoyuan Wine-jar Lids: Embodiments of Art and Culture

There are some common traits that most Chinese folk decorative artifacts share: first, they signify good luck and fortune; second, they feature balance in their artistic designs, to show harmony. Decorations on Taoyuan wine-jar lids are not exceptions to this rule.

Taoyuan wine-jar lids are made of the camphorwood of southern China, which is not only fragrant but also resistant to damage by worms. While they are mostly round and dome-shaped so as to match the shape of wine jars, Taoyuan wine-jar lids are sometimes also hexagonal, octagonal, or even square.

Taoyuan wine-jar lids were usually painted with lacquer of red, brown, yellow, green, black and golden colors. A red wine-jar lid with golden decorative lines and patterns signifies wealth. Creating a sharp visual contrast with a green glozed pottery wine jar, such a lid is typically Chinese in regards to its color.

The content of carvings and small sculptures on the Taoyuan wine-jar lids are mostly related to Chinese wine culture and can be assigned into the following categories.

Animals and legendary beasts: dragon, phoenix, lion, kylin, deer, crane, sheep, rabit, golden toad, fish, crab, prawn, magpie, elephant, monkey, horse, bat, butterfly, squirrel, mouse, chilopod, and more.

Plants, flowers and fruit: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, peony, lotus, peach, grape, guava, calabash, pine tree, and more.

Characters: Chinese characters that mean fortune, longevity, happiness, good luck, names of people, and shop names, among other.

Natural scenery: mountain, stone, river, the sun, clouds, and more.

Architecture: heavenly palace, houses and more.

Daily necessities: table, chair, wine jar, wine pot, wine cup, book, flask, and more.

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