In China, both bats and peaches are considered fortunate, and are often seen in artwork, furniture, clothing, jewelry and housewares. Bats are seen as benevolent because “fu,” the character for “bat,” is also the character for “good luck.” What’s more, since bats dwell in caverns, which are also the passageway to the realm of the Immortals, they represent longevity, as well as fertility. Peaches are also associated with longevity, since according to legend, the Queen Mother of the West grows celestial peaches in her garden. This heavenly fruit ripens once every few thousand years and humans who eat achieve immortality.
CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES
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