From majestic ceramic roof tiles and exquisitely carved ivory to precious jade statues and delicate images adorning lovely porcelains, antique Chinese parrots are rich with symbolic meaning.
The Symbolism of Parrots in Ancient Chinese Culture
For hundreds of years the parrot has held a place of honor in ancient China. Often kept in the living quarters of women, parrots were considered the keeper of their secrets.
Throughout the years parrots have come to symbolize several different things in the Chinese culture:
- During the Hongshan culture of the Neolithic period, the migration of the birds to their breeding spots was a sign that it was time to plant the crops. The birds in flight signaled that the rains were coming
- In ancient China a beautiful colorful parrot was kept in the palace by Emperor Xuanzong during the Tang Dynasty. The bird, excellent at mimicking people's voices was so loved by Emperor Xuanzong that parrots have since been known as the Divine Bird.
- Traditionally parrots, and other birds, symbolized freedom and long life. A parallel is often drawn between a bird and the life experience and wisdom that comes with old age.
- A pair of parrots symbolizes affection, fidelity and deep, enduring love.
- In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, the parrot is a powerful symbol of opportunity and the bearer of good news. It draws positive energy while keeping away the negative.
- Many types of parrots have feathers that represent the colors of the elements of life, fire, water and the sun.
Ceramic Roof Tile Parrot
Standing guard on the edges of rooftops and perched along the roof's ridges, roof tile parrots protected private homes and public buildings. Popular in the later 1880s and early 1900s, most parrot roof tiles were ceramic or terracotta with a highly glazed finish. The main purpose of these beautiful ornamental figurines was to produce a positive, or auspicious, feeling within the building as the positive energy, or chi, was drawn by the parrots. The number of parrot roof tile figurines that were placed on the roof indicated the importance of the structure. The maximum number of roof tile parrots allowed was nine and indicated structures reserved for the Emperor or buildings used for meetings with those in high positions in the country.
Antique Carved Ivory Chinese Parrots
Ivory carvings of individual parrots or parrots with lovely Chinese maidens are strikingly beautiful. An exquisite example of an antique ivory piece dating from the Late Qing Dynasty period, 19th century is shown on LiveAuctioneers.com. The piece stands just under 12 inches tall, and portrays an African parrot. The details of the entire piece are magnificent.
Antique Chinese Parrots: Amulets, Hairpins and Statues
Chinese jade, known as the Stone of Heaven, comes from the Sacred Mountains of the West located in Burma. Long journeys were required in ancient times to get jade from these mountains making it more valuable and rare.
At one time only the Chinese Emperor could wear yellow jade and the stone could only be owned by the Imperial Court making it highly sought after by today's collectors. Jade appears naturally in six colors, with many shade variations. The colors of this magnificent natural stone include:
- Yellow
- White
- Black
- Red
- Green
- Lavender
The following are examples of antique Chinese parrots:
- From the Liao Dynasty, circa 900, beautiful jade parrots mounted on gold hairpins from Sue Ollemans Oriental Works of Art
- From the Tang Dynasty a small carved parrot of mottled cream and brown jade from Cultural China
Chinese Export Porcelain Parrots
Magnificent and delicate pieces of hand painted Chinese porcelain depicting parrots range from decorative wares to serving pieces. Many date from the 1700s and are beautiful examples of Chinese Export Porcelain. Two of the most common depictions of parrots are in full flight or perched on tree branches. Porcelain parrot statues were also produced as Chinese Export Porcelain and were usually sold in pairs.
There are a significant number of reproduction parrot roof tiles being made and sold through various on and offline venues.
