Longevity 万寿无疆​

Cultural Connotation And Historical Evolution Of Longevity Porcelain

The term "Longevity" comes from "Shi Jing – Xiao Ya", was originally a blessing to the King, and later evolved into a general eulogy for longevity. The royal family of the Qing Dynasty especially admired this phrase and used it in court porcelain to highlight the implication of the eternal power of the emperor and the longevity of the emperor. It combines patterns such as bats ("Fu"), longevity peaches, and entwined lotus to form a composite implication of "both happiness and longevity".

The "Longevity" porcelain of the Qing Dynasty was mostly used for birthday celebrations (such as Kangxi's 60th birthday and Qianlong's 80th birthday) and rewards for meritorious officials. Its craftsmanship features enamel and pastel, rich colours, and gold outlines, reflecting the luxury of the palace. Its rigorous layout is centered with text and symmetrical auspicious patterns, which conforms to the royal etiquette norms.

In the late Qing Dynasty it had simplified the patterns, and was mostly written in red, with bats and longevity peaches, becoming a folk birthday gift. The shapes were mainly bowls and plates, used for birthday banquets or dowries.

During the Republic of China period, it was combined with commercial advertisements (such as a medicinal wine bottle), moving away from the pure birthday celebration function and turning to product packaging.

It was later used in folk customs, and combined with "happiness, wealth, longevity and happiness" at weddings and funerals, becoming a generalized auspicious symbol. In addition, it has gradually evolved into a local custom. In places such as Jiangxi and Fujian, birthday banquets must use "longevity" bowls to symbolize filial piety of descendants.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, European aristocrats loved Chinese porcelain with auspicious patterns. "Longevity" porcelain was exported, but was often misunderstood as pure decoration. Japan imitated "Longevity" Imari porcelain and combined it with local style; Chinese communities in Southeast Asia still use such patterns on festive porcelain.

Since the 20th century, it has gradually become a mechanical reproduction of patterns, losing the essence of traditional handicrafts. Then there is plastic tableware to replace traditional porcelain tableware, retaining the traditional auspicious cultural meaning, but presenting it in modern tableware culture.

The cultural evolution of "Longevity" porcelain is not only a microcosm of traditional Chinese auspicious art, but also reflects the transformation of society from feudal rituals to modern consumption. Today, although it no longer has the original solemnity, it is still active in the public eye as a cultural symbol.