One of the most commonly drawn motifs in Chinese traditional artworks, particularly favoured by scholars.

Lotus in Chinese can be translated into He Hua (荷花) or Lian Hua (莲花). The use of their images, however, are interchangeable.

Lotus flower, leave, stem and pod may all have different meanings.

Related Pun Pictures:

May you pass examinations all the way 一路连科

• Fig 1. enamel porcelain cup, Yongzheng period (1723 – 35), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 2. enamel on glass snuff bottle, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 3. porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 4. square porcelain vase, Kangxi period (1662 – 1722), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei