Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What did cranes and mandarin ducks symbolize in Chinese art?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
East Asian arts
Ceremonial cong of jade (calcined nephrite), 3rd millennium bc, Neolithic Liangzhu culture; in the Seattle Art Museum, Wash., U.S.
In traditional Chinese art, animals and natural elements are frequently used as symbolic representations of virtues and ideals. Within this artistic tradition:
- The crane is a symbol of long life.12
- Paired mandarin ducks are used to symbolize wedded fidelity.12
These symbols reflect the broader tendency in Chinese art to view nature as a manifestation of invisible forces, where subjects are chosen for their noble, inspiring, or moral qualities rather than for purely aesthetic reasons.12