From the grandeur of starry constellations and mythical creatures to the delicate beauty of flowers and birds, the patterns found in the Palace Museum encapsulate the Chinese people’s endless pursuit of ideals and their yearning for happiness. Within the shimmering motifs of the Forbidden City embody the vibrant spirit of the Chinese people.
Experience: As you stroll, let the patterns beneath your feet dance in dynamic forms.
Suggested experience time: 6 mins
Patterns in Focus
Peach and Bat Patterns
In Chinese myths, the peach is a divine fruit that ripens only once every three thousand years, symbolising longevity, while the word for bats (fu) is a homophone for good fortune.
Lotus Scroll Patterns
Characterised by twisting vines, the scroll pattern combines various floral motifs in its design. It often features the lotus flower as its main motif, with the interwoven tendrils and flourishing leaves symbolising endless vitality and growth.
Cliff and Wave Patterns
The towering cliffs and surging sea waves symbolise a vast and united nation, embodying hopes for enduring unity and everlasting peace, while also conveying wishes for perpetual blessings and a long, fulfilling life. For these reasons, the patterns often appear on the embroidery of robes in high rank.
Dragon among Cloud Patterns
The dragon is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology, embodying features of various animals, and regarded as a powerful symbol of imperial authority in ancient China. Shown weaving through auspicious clouds, it represents good fortune.
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