Eight Treasures

The Eight Treasures (Chinese: ; pinyin: bǎo), also known as the Eight Precious Things,[1] are popular symbols in Chinese art and on Chinese numismatic charms.

The eight treasures on a Chinese amulet.

While technically they may be any subset of the much longer list of the Hundred Treasures, there is a combination that is most popular.[2]

  1. the wish-granting pearl (寳珠, bǎozhū) or flaming pearl symbolises the granting of wishes.
  2. the double lozenges (方勝, "fāngshèng") symbolises happiness in marriage and counteracts maleficent influences.
  3. the stone chime (磬, "qìng") symbolises a just and upright life.
  4. the pair of rhinoceros horns (犀角, xījiǎo) symbolises happiness.
  5. the double coins (雙錢, shuāngqián) symbolises wealth.
  6. the gold or silver ingot (錠, dìng)
  7. coral (珊瑚, shānhú)
  8. wish-granting scepter (如意, rúyì)

See also

  • Ashtamangala, eight sacred treasures and symbols in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

References

  1. Ghoteborg.com Eight Precious Things (Babao) by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 11 July 2018.
  2. Terese Tse Bartholomew. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Hong Kong: Asian Art Museum-Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 2006 ISBN 0-939117-36-3
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