Bat details on air vents

Thursday, May 17 2012

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 12:18

A FASCINATING feature of the Penang shophouse (read here) is the inclusion of Chinese symbolism in its design details. For instance, vases are often depicted on the front door, because "the word for vase, ping, is homonymous with ‘peace and tranquillity’, sentiments wished upon whoever walks in and out through the front door" or "the pakua, which combines the yin and yang symbols with Chinese trigrams on eight sides, is commonly placed above the front door to deflect hostile energies". (Heritage Houses of Penang, pg 65)

Another interesting manner in which Chinese symbolism is depicted in the shopshouse is the design of their air vents. Located above the front windows, they often have details with bats. View gallery below.

“Bats play an important part in Chinese legendary lore. It is emblematic of happiness and longevity. The conventional bat is frequently employed for decorative purposes, and is often so ornate that it bears a strong resemblance to the butterfly. Its wings are sometimes curved in the shape of the head of the Ruyi and it is generally painted red – the colour of joy. The design of the Five Bats is a pictorial rebus standing for the Five Blessings which are – old age, wealth, health, love of virtue; and natural death. This is owing to the similarity in the sound of the characters for 'bats' and 'happiness' – both pronounced fu." (Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs, pg 61)

Read here for more on Chinese symbolism.

References

Nasution, KS & Berbar, H, 2009 Heritage Houses of Penang, Marshall Cavendish Editions
Williams, CAS, 2006 (4th Edition) Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the ages, Tuttle Publishing

Related links