Eight Treasures

The Eight Treasures (Chinese: 八寶/八宝; pinyin: Bābǎo), also known as the Eight Precious Things,[1] are popular symbols often depicted in Chinese art and on Chinese numismatic charms.

The eight treasures on a Chinese amulet.

While technically they may be any subset of the much longer list of the Hundred Treasures, there is a combination that is most popular.[2]

  1. The Wish-granting Pearl (寳珠/宝珠, Bǎozhū) or flaming pearl symbolises the granting of wishes.
  2. The Double Lozenges (方勝/方胜, "Fāngshèng") symbolises happiness in marriage and counteracts maleficent influences.
  3. The Stone Chime (磬, "Qìng") symbolises a just and upright life.
  4. The pair of Rhinoceros Horns (犀角, Xījiǎo) symbolises happiness.
  5. The Double Coins (雙錢/双钱, Shuāngqián) symbolises wealth.
  6. The gold or silver Ingot (錠/锭, Dìng)
  7. The Coral (珊瑚, Shānhú)
  8. The Wish-granting Scepter (如意, Rúyì)

Eight Treasures in art

Eight Treasures charms
Main article: Chinese numismatic charm

Chinese Eight Treasures charms (Traditional Chinese: 八寶錢; Simplified Chinese: 八宝钱; Pinyin: bā bǎo qián), also known as the "Eight Precious Things charms" and the "Eight Auspicious Treasures charms",[3][4][5] are coin amulets that depict the Eight Treasures.[4] Those most commonly depicted on older charms are the ceremonial ruyi (sceptre), coral, lozenge, rhinoceros horns, sycees, stone chimes, and flaming pearl.[4] Eight Treasures charms can alternatively display the eight precious organs of the Buddha's body, the eight auspicious signs, various emblems of the eight Immortals from Taoism, or eight normal Chinese character.[4]

They often have thematic inscriptions.[4] For example a Chinese eight treasures charm on display at the Museum of Ethnography, Sweden has the inscription Chángmìng fùguì jīnyù mǎntáng (長命富貴金玉滿堂) which could be translated as "longevity, wealth and honour - may gold and jade fill your house (halls)".

Seal paste

In Zhangzhou, Fujian, China there is a company named Babao seal paste which is named after the Eight Treasures.[6][7] Babao seal paste was added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2008.[8] and the China Time-honored Brand list by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in 2011.

See also
  • Ashtamangala, eight sacred treasures and symbols in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
  • Cintamani, a wish-fulfilling jewel in Buddhism.

References
  1. Ghoteborg.com Eight Precious Things (Babao) by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 11 July 2018.
  2. Terese Tse Bartholomew. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Hong Kong: Asian Art Museum-Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 2006 ISBN 0-939117-36-3
  3. Sportstune (Chinese charms) Chinese charms, sections 1–2. Retrieved: 2 May 2018.
  4. "The Eight Treasures – 八寶". Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture). 16 November 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  5. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary by Maoshing Ni.
  6. ""八宝印泥"的现状与未来发展". Zhongguo Jiti Jingji. 2010, (17).
  7. "八宝印泥 - 古城非遗". www.zhangzhou.gov.cn. Archived from the original on 2016-10-23. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
  8. "文化部公示第二批国家级非物质文化遗产推荐名单". The Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
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