Eight auspicious emblems
八吉祥
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The Eight Auspicious Emblems, also known as ‘ba bao’ (八宝, Eight Treasures), or ‘ba rui xiang’ (八瑞相, Eight Symbols of Good Fortune), are a set of symbols in traditional Tibetan Buddhism. These symbols are often depicted together, bringing positive energy, good fortune, and well-being to the surroundings. Here are the Eight Auspicious Emblems along with their meanings:
- Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra): Signifies the Eightfold Path and the cycle of existence.
- Conch Shell: Represents the call to awaken and spread the teachings of truth.
- Parasol (Umbrella): Symbolises protection and shelter from suffering and negativity.
- Victory Banner: Represents triumph over obstacles and the path to enlightenment.
- Lotus Flower: Symbolises purity, enlightenment, and rising above challenges.
- Treasure Vase: Signifies endless spiritual wealth, prosperity, and fulfillment.
- Pair of Golden Fishes: Represents abundance, freedom, and harmony in life’s currents.
- Eternal Knot: Symbolises interconnectedness, eternity, and interdependence.
*Open source
Fig 1: porcelain stem bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Xuande period (1426–1435), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D. C.
Fig 2: porcelain flask with underglaze blue decoration, Qianlong period (1736–1795), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 3-4: cinnabar incense burner, Qianlong period (1736–1795), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 5-8: porcelain bowl with overglaze polychrome decoration, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Fig 9-10: incense burner with overglaze polychrome decoration, Jiaqing period (1796–1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Fig 11: porcelain basin with overglaze polychrome decoration, Jiaqing period (1796–1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 12: gilded Dharma wheel statue, Jiaqing period (1796–1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei