Animals are a common subject in Xieyi painting, used to express emotions, convey philosophical ideas, and capture the essence of the animal with simplified forms and spontaneous brushstrokes, relying on cultural symbolism and careful observation of the natural world, often as metaphors for the human condition.
The five-clawed dragon, an important symbol of imperial authority in Chinese culture, was a prominent motif on Ming Dynasty ceramics, particularly those produced for the court, and the presence of this symbol on a piece is a clear indication of its origin and its intended meaning and use.
This article explores the animal motifs found on Chinese bronze ware, highlighting the symbolism of creatures like the taotie, dragons, phoenixes, and tigers, revealing their use in conveying power, spirituality, and connections to the natural world.
Ming Dynasty ceramic motifs, such as dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and animals, are rich in symbolic meaning, reflecting the values, beliefs, and cultural landscape of the era and forming a vital visual language.