The dragon, one of the most powerful and revered symbols in Chinese culture, has long been a source of inspiration for a variety of artistic expressions. From its representation in paintings and sculptures to its integration into the language of calligraphy and architecture, the dragon continues to embody strength, imperial authority, good fortune, and celestial power. Among the most striking uses of the dragon in Chinese culture are its appearances in couplets and reliefs (known as kao or khanmou in Chinese), which are integral parts of Chinese artistic and cultural heritage. These forms of expression demonstrate not only the symbolic significance of the dragon but also its ability to transcend artistic media, blending the realms of language and visual art in ways that capture the imagination.
This article will explore the role of the dragon in Chinese couplets and reliefs, examining how these artistic expressions reflect the dragon’s prominence in Chinese culture, its use as a symbol of power and prosperity, and the ways in which it has been integrated into various forms of art throughout history.
The Role of the Dragon in Chinese Couplets
In traditional Chinese culture, couplets (known as duilian) are pairs of poetic lines that are often displayed on doorways, walls, or gates. These poetic couplets typically consist of two lines that mirror each other both in terms of meaning and structure, offering a balance between content and form. Couplets are an important aspect of Chinese cultural celebrations and ceremonies, particularly during the Chinese New Year and other significant festivals. They are often used as a way to express good wishes, invoke blessings, and seek the favor of deities.
Dragons in Couplets: Symbolism of Power and Prosperity
The dragon is a popular subject in Chinese couplets due to its association with imperial power, good fortune, and celestial favor. The dragon is often used as a metaphor for the emperor, who is traditionally referred to as the “Son of Heaven,” and the dragon symbolizes the emperor’s divine right to rule. In this context, the dragon is more than just a symbol of power; it also signifies a cosmic connection between heaven and earth.
For example, a common couplet seen in imperial palaces and homes of the elite during the Ming and Qing dynasties would have included references to the dragon, such as:
上龙天降福，地龙带财来
(Shàng lóng tiān jiàng fú, dì lóng dài cái lái)
The heavenly dragon brings blessings, the earth dragon brings wealth.
This couplet expresses a wish for both spiritual and material prosperity, invoking the dragon’s ability to channel blessings from both the heavens and the earth. The line connecting the “heavenly dragon” with blessings and the “earth dragon” with wealth reflects the belief that the dragon can transcend both the physical and celestial realms, making it a powerful tool in seeking good fortune and imperial favor.
Dragons and the Themes of Harmony and Balance
Another theme often found in couplets that feature the dragon is the concept of balance and harmony. Chinese culture values the idea of opposites balancing each other, symbolized by the concept of yin and yang. This balance is often reflected in the structure of duilian, where the two lines mirror each other in both meaning and tone. The use of the dragon in such couplets is often tied to the notion of the harmony between heaven and earth, strength and gentleness, power and peace.
A couplet from the Qing dynasty might read:
龙腾虎跃，风生水起
(Lóng téng hǔ yuè, fēng shēng shuǐ qǐ)
The dragon soars and the tiger leaps, the wind rises and the water flows.
Here, the dragon represents strength, and its movement is mirrored by the tiger’s leap, while the wind and water symbolize the forces of nature that are in harmony. The integration of the dragon in this couplet highlights the importance of balance, both in nature and in human endeavors, symbolizing a prosperous and harmonious life.
The Dragon and the Celebration of the Imperial Family
During the imperial period, the dragon was a frequent motif in couplets that celebrated the imperial family, particularly during the Chinese New Year and other national celebrations. The dragon in these couplets was often associated with the emperor’s ability to bring peace and prosperity to the empire.
An example of this type of celebratory couplet is:
龙凤呈祥，国运昌盛
(Lóng fèng chéng xiáng, guó yùn chāng shèng)
The dragon and phoenix bring prosperity, and the nation’s fortune flourishes.
This couplet not only features the dragon but also includes the phoenix, a complementary symbol in Chinese culture representing the empress, virtue, and balance. Together, the dragon and phoenix in the couplet invoke the unity of the imperial family and the success of the nation under the emperor’s rule.
The Dragon in Famous Chinese Reliefs
In addition to its appearance in duilian and poetry, the dragon has also been a prominent figure in Chinese kao or relief carvings. These artworks, often crafted in stone, jade, or wood, were used to decorate temples, palaces, bridges, and tombs, serving both artistic and symbolic purposes. The dragon’s presence in these reliefs reflects its importance as a symbol of protection, divine authority, and natural power.
Dragon Reliefs on Imperial Architecture
The use of dragon motifs in imperial architecture is perhaps the most iconic form of dragon relief in China. The most famous example is the use of dragon reliefs on the forbidden city structures and other imperial palaces. The dragons were often carved in relief on beams, doors, and walls, symbolizing the emperor’s supreme power and connection to the heavens.
One of the most notable examples of dragon reliefs in architecture is found on the dragon throne used by the emperor in the Forbidden City. The throne is adorned with intricately carved dragons, highlighting the emperor’s status as the Son of Heaven, chosen by the dragons to rule the realm. These dragon motifs were not just decorative; they served to remind the people of the emperor’s divine mandate and his ability to govern with the dragon’s strength and wisdom.
The Dragons of the Summer Palace
Another notable example of dragon reliefs can be found in the Summer Palace in Beijing, which contains numerous carvings of dragons. The Summer Palace is known for its serene landscapes and majestic architecture, and many of its temples and structures feature dragon reliefs that serve both as decorative elements and as symbols of imperial power and cosmic balance.
One of the most famous examples in the Summer Palace is the Long Corridor, a covered walkway with over 14,000 paintings. Many of these paintings feature dragon motifs, capturing the creature in various poses and symbolizing the power and grandeur of the imperial family. These reliefs not only celebrate the dragon’s power but also serve as reminders of the importance of the emperor in maintaining harmony between the mortal and celestial realms.
Dragon Reliefs in Temples and Monuments
Beyond the imperial palaces, dragon reliefs are commonly found in Chinese temples and monuments, where they are used to invoke the power of the gods and protect the space from evil forces. In the Temple of Heaven, for example, dragon motifs are prominently featured on the altar, which was used during annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The dragon is also present in various monuments throughout China, symbolizing the connection between human affairs and divine intervention.
These reliefs typically feature the dragon winding its way around pillars, gates, or altars, representing its power and ability to transcend earthly limits. In these spaces, the dragon is seen not just as a symbol of imperial power but as a guardian of the sacred, protecting the temple or monument from negative forces and ensuring the proper flow of blessings.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Dragon
The dragon in Chinese couplets and reliefs serves as a powerful symbol that transcends both artistic and linguistic forms. Whether in the poetic lines of duilian, where it represents imperial power, prosperity, and cosmic harmony, or in the intricate reliefs of imperial palaces and sacred temples, the dragon remains an enduring symbol of strength, divine protection, and celestial favor. Throughout Chinese history, the dragon has been a central figure in artistic expressions that not only reflect the culture’s values but also shape its understanding of the natural and spiritual worlds. Its presence in Chinese couplets and reliefs continues to remind people of the connection between heaven and earth, the emperor and the divine, and the eternal balance that sustains the world.
