Traditional Chinese Imperial Authority Symbols
Throughout the long and storied history of ancient China, the symbols of the royal family were not only manifestations of power but also carriers of artistic value and the hierarchical system. Through forms such as architecture, artifacts, and decorations, these symbols showcased the remarkable artistic achievements of the time.
Dragon
In the various living environments within the imperial palace, from clothing, furniture, clocks, stationery, cups and dishes to various instruments such as ceremonial guards and armor, all sorts of dragon patterns are dancing everywhere.
Clothing
The dragon robe, which is the ancient Chinese emperor's court dress, is embroidered with dragon patterns, symbolizing the supreme imperial power. The robe is named for its dragon patterns. Each emperor's dragon robe is embroidered with nine golden dragons: one on the chest, one on the back, one on each shoulder, two on the front and back knees, and one hidden inside the lapel, representing the "supreme dignity of the emperor".
Accessories
- Jade pendants
- Jade disks
Containers
Furniture
- Dragon Throne
The dragon throne is a symbol of imperial power and is often placed in the center of the throne hall.
Architectural Decoration
In the major halls of the palace, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, dragons are decorated on the roofs, doors and windows, beams, columns, steps, and railings. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is filled with a large number of dragon patterns, including walking dragons, surrounding dragons, and coiled dragons, with tens of thousands of dragons in total. The ceiling, carved beams, and door and window frames of the Hall of Supreme Harmony all feature dragon patterns, especially the coiled dragon ceiling above the throne, which has a huge coiled dragon in the center and 16 small golden dragons flying around.
- Nine-Dragon Wall
Phoenix
The phoenix is a symbol of auspiciousness and is often paired with dragon patterns, representing the nobility of the empress and women. Phoenix patterns such as "yunfeng(phoenix with cloud motifs)",“huafeng(phoenixes with flowers)”and "tuanfeng(two phoenixes drawn within a circle)" are exclusive to the harem, symbolizing beauty, auspiciousness, and goodness.
Clothing
Accessories
Containers
Furniture
Architectural Decoration
Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority
The Twelve Symbols of Imperial Authority are the exclusive patterns used by Chinese emperors during the imperial era, carrying profound cultural and historical significance. These twelve symbols are: sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, ancestral vases, colorful birds, water plants, fire, white rice, axe, and paired bows. Each symbol has its unique meaning and origin:
The twelve symbols are rich in meaning:
- the sun, moon, and stars represent illumination;
- mountains represent stability and composure;
- dragons represent divinity and transformation;
- colorful birds, with their beautiful five-colored feathers, represent cultural elegance；
- ancestral vases represent reverence and filial piety
- water plants represent purity;
- fire represents brightness;
- white rice represents nourishment;
- the axe represents decisiveness and resolution;
- paired bows represent discernment, clarity, and the pursuit of goodness.
