Large bowl with historical figures and ducks among blossoming lotus

Ducks among Lotus Blossoms
While the exterior of this bowl is decorated with scenes from historical novels, the inside displays ducks swimming below blossoming lotuses. The motif of a duck in the lotus pond became popular during the Yuan dynasty when blue-and-white porcelains originated. Ducks mate for life and are the natural symbol for a long-lasting marriage. Ducks also represent trust and affection. Because of its symbolic meanings, duck is usually served at marriages and New Year's banquets, thus expressing wishes for marital bliss and affection.

The lotus blossom symbolizes a happy marriage because Hehua, one of the lotus's many names, is a pun for "harmony" (he). Lian zi, the lotus seed, forms a rebus for having many sons, zi meaning sons. It is also one of the few plants whose seedpod is already evident when the flower begins to bloom. To the Chinese, this benevolent omen augurs the early arrival of sons.

HIDDEN MEANING: May you have a happy marriage and be blessed with sons.