Auspicious Cloud Dzi

Clouds, often referred to as “auspicious clouds” (xiangyun 祥云), symbolize the heavens and carry connotations of “good luck.” Their shapes frequently resemble the auspicious form of the LINGZHI “Fungus of Immortality.”

—–LINGZHI (靈芝)—–

In Chinese art, the lingzhi represents robust health and longevity, as showcased in the imperial Forbidden City and Summer Palace. It served as a charm for good fortune in traditional Chinese culture, and the healing goddess Guanyin is occasionally portrayed holding a lingzhi mushroom.

The sacred Fungus of Immortality, revered by Daoist mystics as the food of the Immortals (xian), symbolizes longevity, as it remains exceptionally durable when dry. Widely utilized in Chinese medicine, it was believed that lingzhi fungi grew in the abodes of the Immortals, the Three Islands of the Blest. Consuming this sacred fungus was thought to grant immortality. Lingzhi fungi or decorative motifs and shapes possibly inspired by them (such as clouds and ruyi scepters) are prevalent in Chinese art.

—–Auspicious Significance—–

Cloud motifs are deeply rooted in the agrarian society culture of the Chinese people. Clouds are associated with good luck because they bring rain, moistening all things and bestowing good fortune upon people.

In the Chinese language, clouds are called yun (云), which homophonically sounds like the Chinese character yun meaning “good fortune” (运).

Xiangyun is one of the most auspicious patterns employed in China and boasts a rich history. Cloud motifs have been present in China since the Shang dynasty and Eastern Zhou dynasty, making them one of the oldest decorations and ornaments featured in Chinese art, architecture, and textiles.