Chinese Treasure Bowl Charm

Since ancient times, there have been stories of a magical “treasure bowl” (ju bao pen 聚宝盆) that can create unlimited riches, and sometimes great sorrow, for its owner.

While the actual treasure bowl remains to be found, its image has became a popular symbol of good fortune.

This  is an old Chinese “hanging” charm with the inscription ping an ji qing (平安吉慶) which is a simple wish for “peace and happiness”.

The Chinese characters are beautifully written and stand out prominently against the dark patina of an unadorned field.

Adding to the “charm” of this piece is the loop at the top.  The loop is actually a dragon.  The dragon’s head, at the bottom of the loop, is looking back at its two hind legs and tail.

A “treasure bowl” filled with riches is displayed on the reverse side of the charm.  These valuables are members of the “Eight Treasures” (八宝).

In the very middle of the bowl is a round “flaming pearl” (火珠) with its flames extending upwards to the top of the rim.  The pearl is an ancient symbol of riches but also has the power to grant wishes and is a metaphor for perfection and enlightenment.  Chinese dragons are often depicted as “playing” with a flaming pearl.

To the right and left of the pearl are two smaller round objects, with a square hole in the center, which represent traditional Chinese gold coins (金钱).

Directly under each gold coin is a comma-shaped object representing a silver ingot (银锭).  Silver ingots were used as money particularly during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

On the side of each gold coin is a branch-like object which is coral (珊瑚).  Coral symbolizes longevity, and red coral is considered especially auspicious.

The two objects sticking out of the treasure bowl at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions are rhinoceros horns.  The rhinoceros horn (犀角) is a visual pun or rebus for “happiness” (喜) because both words share the same pronunciation xi.  A pair of rhino horns represents “double happiness” which is a traditional Chinese  symbol for a happy marriage.

At the very bottom of the pile of treasures, and supporting the pearl and silver ingots, is the lotus.  The Chinese word for lotus (lian hua 莲花) has the same pronunciation as the word “continuous” (lian 连).  The hidden or implied meaning is that the treasures will continue to be produced endlessly.

The treasure bowl itself is decorated with a string of seven “dots” which symbolize the seven-star “Big Dipper” constellation (北斗星).