Enamel Gaiwan / Tea Cup with Fu Shan Shou Hai (Blessing Mountain & Longevity Sea) Motifs
The
Fu Shan Shou Hai (Blessing Mountain, Longevity Sea) motif is a grand and iconic traditional Chinese decorative pattern.
It integrates the majesty of mountains and the vastness of the sea, embodying the momentum of
all rivers running into the sea with extraordinary grandeur. For this reason, it has long been favored by the imperial families of successive dynasties.
The theme of
Fu Shan Shou Hai first originated from an allusion of the Ming Dynasty.
Liu Ji, the prime minister during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor in the early Ming Dynasty, wrote in an ode:
“May your longevity be as eternal as the South Mountain, and your blessings as vast as the East Sea.”
It means blessings as boundless as the East China Sea, and a life as long-lasting as the South Mountain.
Later,
Fu Shan Shou Hai was developed into classic paintings and decorative patterns, widely used on various costumes and utensils, symbolizing
abundant blessings and long life, and leading the fashion of traditional motifs.
The most representative form is the
sea-wave and dragon pattern.
Although the dragon was regarded as the symbol of the Son of Heaven, this pattern was not exclusively reserved for the imperial family.
Under the enlightened reigns of the Qing emperors, such patterns from official kilns were also allowed to spread among the common people.
The emperors believed the motif had already become so popular among the public that a ban would be impractical – a testament to its immense popularity.
As a beloved folk auspicious pattern, Fu Shan Shou Hai focuses on the wishes of fortune, longevity and good luck.
Dayatang Hall Collection
Crafted with
imperial enamel-painting techniques and decorated with the classic
Fu Shan Shou Hai motif, this series of enamel-painted wares is entirely handmade as a sincere tribute.
Each cup is meticulously hand-carved by artisans, presenting the
Fu Shan Shou Hai pattern with clear, delicate textures.
The painting is exquisitely executed:
curves flow gracefully, straight lines are firm yet not stiff, and the dense patterns are closely connected rather than chaotic.
The coloring is bright and elegant, with distinct and rich layering – especially seen in the elaborate waves, rendered in spiral and fish-scale curls that expand layer upon layer from inside out, highlighting a strong sense of depth and three-dimensionality.
It evokes the image of a boundless sky, vast sea and mighty waves –
majestic, auspicious and timeless. A classic of traditional art that never fades with time.
