For those who love tea, in addition to their beloved Yixing Clay teapot, a tea figurine is an essential “Pet” on the tea tray.
A “tea figurine,” also known as a tea toy, is a small ornament on the tea tray. These little figurines may seem insignificant, but they hold significant knowledge and meaning. Although small, incorrect placement of tea figurines can potentially affect feng shui, so be careful not to place them incorrectly!
Common Placement and Considerations for Tea Figurines
Camel
The camel, known as the “ship of the desert,” has a water sac in its stomach for storing water, allowing it to endure thirst. It symbolizes perseverance and the spirit of bearing heavy burdens over long distances.
Frog
The word “frog” is homophonous with “child” in Chinese, thus the frog symbolizes the arrival of noble offspring and a full house of descendants. It embodies people's wishes for many children and prosperous lineage.
Ox
The ox symbolizes prosperity through hard work and favorable weather conditions. It is seen as a representation of diligence, selflessness, bravery, stubbornness, and wealth.
The pronunciation of “ox” is similar to “twist” in Chinese, implying the ability to turn around a situation. The ox signifies prosperity and the ability to overcome difficulties and improve life, truly turning the tide.
Business can also thrive and reach new heights.
Golden Toad
The golden toad is a homophone of “money” in Chinese, and when depicted carrying coins on its back, it represents money flowing into the home.
When the golden toad has a coin in its mouth that can rotate, it symbolizes earning money. If there is no coin in its mouth, it represents attracting money. A golden toad with a coin in its mouth should face the owner to prevent money from leaving, while one without a coin should face outward to attract wealth.
Rhinoceros
The rhinoceros symbolizes strength, solidity, and stability, suggesting a company with substantial resources and steady growth. Its body like armor conveys the reliable quality of durable products.
Elephant
The elephant uses its trunk to draw water, and in feng shui, water represents wealth. Thus, the elephant is given the meaning of attracting and accumulating wealth.
Therefore, the elephant should be placed in a spot where it can be regularly nourished with tea.
God of Longevity
The God of Longevity, also known as the Southern Pole Immortal, is a symbol of longevity.
In our culture, longevity is considered first among the five blessings of longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a peaceful death. Without longevity, how could one have good fortune?
While the symbolism of longevity in the Yixing clay figure of the God of Longevity is clear, his plump appearance, authority over life span, combined with other auspicious elements, allows us to appreciate the depth and breadth of our culture, as well as receive the blessings of the God of Longevity.
Squirrel
The squirrel is a very spiritual little animal, gentle, obedient, and clever. Seeing it can sweep away all troubles, and its symbolic meaning is [“shedding worries, the sun still shines”].
Turtle
The turtle's most distinctive feature is its longevity, and “turtle” sounds like “return,” symbolizing reunion and fulfillment.
The turtle tea figurine should be placed relatively inward, not directly facing the door, symbolizing the return of blessings and longevity.
Carp
The carp symbolizes celebration and prosperity, and the image of the carp leaping over the Dragon gate represents success and advancement.
The carp thrives in water, so it must be frequently watered with tea.
Buddha
In Buddha tea figurines, Maitreya is the most common, in reclining, sitting, or standing positions.
Maitreya symbolizes compassion, tolerance, optimism, and open-mindedness.
Maitreya always smiles, and the saying “a big belly can hold what the world finds hard to tolerate; a smile reveals amusement at what the world finds laughable” best encapsulates Maitreya, teaching people to be optimistic, detached from fame and wealth, and at peace with the world. If accidentally broken, do not discard it carelessly; instead, wrap it in cloth and store it properly.
Rabbit
In China, the rabbit symbolizes longevity.
Thus, Daoism portrays the rabbit as a fairy rabbit capable of making elixirs for eternal life, grinding medicines under a cassia tree. Later, the rabbit evolved into a symbol of the pharmaceutical industry.
In Buddhist legends, when The Buddha was practicing asceticism in the forest and ran out of food, a rabbit threw itself into a fire and became cooked meat, saving the Buddha's life. To honor the rabbit's sacrificial spirit, Buddhists practice vegetarianism. Thus, the rabbit symbolizes loyalty and self-sacrifice for the savior.
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