Notes:
The lingzhi ie magic mushroom is a symbol for longevity
Other symbols that carry their own cultural significance. Here's a comprehensive list of common symbols found on Chinese porcelain and their meanings:
Dragons (龍): Symbolize power, strength, prosperity, and good fortune. They are often depicted chasing a flaming pearl, representing wisdom and enlightenment.
Phoenix (鳳凰): Symbolize grace, virtue, prosperity, and the union of Yin and Yang. Often depicted alongside dragons, representing marital bliss.
Lotus (蓮花): Symbolize purity, perfection, enlightenment, and the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Peony (牡丹): Known as the "king of flowers," symbolizing wealth, prosperity, honor, and feminine beauty.
Double Happiness (囍): Represents marital happiness and joy. Often used in weddings and celebrations.
Shou (壽): Chinese character for longevity. Often depicted alone or surrounded by other symbols of longevity, such as bats, cranes, or peaches.
Bats (蝙蝠): Symbolize good luck, happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The word for bat (蝠) is a homophone for "blessing" (福).
Cranes (鶴): Symbolize longevity, happiness, and good fortune. They are often depicted with pine trees, symbolizing endurance.
Pine (松): Symbolizes longevity, steadfastness, and resilience. Often depicted with cranes or in landscapes.
Plum Blossom (梅花): Symbolizes resilience, perseverance, and hope. It blooms in winter, symbolizing endurance through hardship.
Chrysanthemum (菊花): Symbolizes longevity, nobility, and integrity. It is often associated with autumn and scholars.
Fish (魚): Symbolize abundance, wealth, prosperity, and harmony in relationships. The word for fish (魚) is a homophone for "surplus" (餘).
Fu (福): Chinese character for fortune, happiness, and blessings. Often displayed upside down to symbolize the arrival of good fortune.
Wufu (五福): The Five Blessings, representing longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.
Clouds (雲): Symbolize auspiciousness, blessings from the heavens, and good luck.
Sparrows (麻雀): Symbolize joy, happiness, and good fortune.
Qilin (麒麟): Mythical creature symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and fertility.
Tiger (虎): Symbolizes bravery, strength, and protection against evil spirits.
Lingzhi Mushroom (靈芝): Symbolizes longevity, immortality, and spiritual potency.
Lion (獅): Symbolizes protection, strength, and power. Often depicted in pairs guarding entrances.