Period: Republic of China
Region: Shanghai
Dimensions: Diameter 6.5 cm
Weight: 40 g (each)
During the turbulent yet vibrant era of the Republic of China, traditional craftsmanship and cultural arts continued to shine brightly. Among these cultural treasures was a pair of bracelets adorned with the tuanshou (round longevity) motif, a symbol of this cultural brilliance. The tuanshou motif is unique in that the character for "longevity" (shou 寿) is cleverly designed into a circular shape, as though gently embraced within a perfect, complete outline. The lines of the design flow smoothly, interconnected to symbolize the eternal cycle of life and the continuity of existence. This design reflects the Chinese people's yearning not only for a long life but also for the pursuit of harmony and a fulfilling life.
The “longevity” character within the tuanshou design is not fixed but appears in myriad forms, each with its own distinctive charm. It is akin to a masterful dancer, expressing diverse postures across different historical periods and cultural contexts. This variability is a classic example of the Chinese artistic tradition known as "transforming words into images," where the written character becomes a unique graphic element. Through artistic treatment, the character retains its original meaning while gaining visual richness and symbolic depth. The transformed “longevity” character is, without a doubt, one of the most dynamic and creative aspects of Chinese auspicious decoration.
Speaking of transformed longevity characters, one cannot overlook Wang Fengcheng, a man in his seventies from Wudang District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province. Over a span of more than 20 years, Wang devoted himself to the vast sea of characters, collecting and organizing various calligraphic representations of the "longevity" character from different dynasties. His passion and dedication culminated in a massive work measuring 208 meters long and 1.3 meters wide, densely inscribed with 20,008 different forms of the "longevity" character. This monumental achievement has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. Wang Fengcheng’s efforts not only showcase the boundless possibilities in writing the “longevity” character but also reflect the deep Chinese reverence for longevity culture.
As an auspicious motif, the “longevity” character’s variations extend beyond just the shape of the character itself. They also manifest in the arrangement of space and form. For instance, a tall and slender “longevity” character implies “long life,” embodying people's wishes for health and longevity. In contrast, when designed into a round shape, known as tuanshou, it symbolizes reunion, harmony, and completeness, reflecting the Chinese aspiration for family harmony and a happy life. Moreover, the seal script form of the "longevity" character, resembling the swastika used in Buddhism, has been imbued with meanings of endless continuity and transformation in popular culture, further enriching the cultural significance of the character.
Beyond written characters, Chinese folk art also features numerous symbols of longevity, such as the Old Man of Longevity (Shouxing), pine and cypress trees (representing evergreen longevity), cranes (symbolizing ethereal grace and boundless life), turtles (signifying both longevity and steadfastness), Taihu stones and Shoushan stones (whose hard texture represents eternity), cats (regarded as auspicious creatures due to their agility), and butterflies (since the word for butterfly, die, sounds like die 耋, which refers to old age). These motifs, together with the longevity character, form a rich visual language deeply rooted in Chinese culture, serving as important carriers of blessings and prayers for longevity.
In conclusion, the tuanshou motif bracelets are not only exquisite examples of craftsmanship from the Republic of China period but also a perfect fusion of the traditional Chinese values of longevity and aesthetic taste. With their unique artistic charm and profound cultural significance, these bracelets transcend time, telling stories about life, happiness, and eternity.
