Also called ‘ba bao’ (八宝), ‘ba rui xiang’ (八瑞相), or ‘ji xiang ba bao’(吉祥八宝).

There are eight emblems in traditional Tibetan Buddhism symbolising happiness and spiritual well-being: Dharma wheel, conch shell, parasol, lotus, treasure vase, golden fish, victory banner, and endless knot.

• Fig 1-2: blue-and-white porcelain flask, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 3-6: porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

  Fig 7-8: cinnabar covered incense burner, Qianlong period (1736 – 95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 9-10: incense burner, Jiaqing period (1796 – 1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

  Fig 11: porcelain stem bowl, Xuande period (1426 – 1435), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington

  Fig 12: porcelain basin, Jiaqing period (1796 – 1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 13: golden Dharma wheel statue, Jiaqing period (1796 – 1820), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei