Pomegranates

China

Not on view

As the Chinese character for “seed” (zi) is the same as that for “son,” the many-seeded pomegranate is viewed as a symbol for having multiple sons who are expected to continue the family line. The use of puns and rebuses to express wishes for good fortune, longevity, prosperity, and even academic success has been a common theme in Chinese art.

Pomegranates, Agate, China

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