{"product_id":"9780939117376","title":"Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith clear, readable explanations, this Chinese art history book provides a visual insight into the very rich history of Chinese sybbolism.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCan decorative objects increase one's wealth, happiness, or longevity? Traditionally, many Chinese have believed that they could—provided they include the appropriate auspicious symbols. In \u003ci\u003eHidden meanings in Chinese Art\u003c\/i\u003e Asian Art Museum Curator Terese Tse Bartholomew, culminating decades of research, has provided a thorough guide to such symbols. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuspicious symbols in Chinese art are often in the form of \u003ci\u003erebuses\u003c\/i\u003e—visual puns. Because many words in Chinese share the same pronunciation, there is a wealth of opportunities for such punning, and over the centuries many rebuses have developed established meanings. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShould one give a clock as a gift? Certainly not! \"To give a clock\" \u003ci\u003esongzhong\u003c\/i\u003e is a pun for \"a last farewell,\" in other words, for attending a person who is on the edge o death. Why is a pot of philodendrons an appropriate gift for someone opening a new store or restaurant? In America the philodendron serves as a substitute for a Chinese plant named \u003ci\u003ewannianqing\u003c\/i\u003e, or \"ten thousand years green.\" Such a gift expresses the wish that the business will flourish for ten thousand years. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHidden Meanings in Chinese Art\u003c\/i\u003e brings a systematic approach to the cataloguing of such hidden meanings. Richly illustrated with photos of art objects and with many original illustrations by the author, and enhanced with extensive bilingual indexes and other supporting materials, this book is an essential reference for anyone interested in exploring Chinese art and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Asian Art Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47034081804528,"sku":"9780939117376","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780939117376_p0.jpg?v=1763869595","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780939117376","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}